On the 1st of February 2012, Samantha Kig, an 18-year-old barista from Anchorage, Alaska, was wrapping up her shift at a local coffee stand. The day was uneventful until a masked figure entered, setting in motion a series of events that would shock the nation. Despite the ski mask, which could have been a mere attempt to ward off the cold, the man ordered a coffee and then, without warning, pulled out a gun. Terrified, Samantha complied with his demands to empty the cash drawer. However, finding it empty, she hoped the man would flee. Instead, he tied her up and kidnapped her, driving her to his home where she was held captive for several days.