2 accused of stealing luggage from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

D'Aundra Wallace and Kathleen Gormley

Nov. 3, 2009 12:45 PM
The Arizona Republic

Police allege that after Keith was released, he returned to the airport and stole more luggage. Authorities followed him home, where he was detained.

Police say the do not know how long the thefts have been going on, how many times the thieves have struck, and whether there were other people involved. Keith King does not work at the airport, authorities said.

A search warrant of the Kings' home in Waddell in the northwest Valley reportedly revealed many suitcases, some empty and some with property still in them.

Police said they plan to return as much material as possible, but it would be difficult to identify the victims of the luggage theft because all the tags had been removed from the suitcases.

Eugene Huneycutt, 66, a neighbor, said he has bought 35 to 40 children videos for his granddaughter at yard sales at the Kings' home and became suspicious about how Keith King would possess the items.

Huneycutt said he also saw a lot of pieces of luggage at the sales.

Neighbors reported seeing a trailer full of material arriving to the home in the middle of the night, which they described as suspicious.

People who believe they may be victims in the luggage thefts

LINK TO VIDEO:

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid30311461001?bctid=47997138001

Keith Wilson King, 61, is seen in this undated photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's office. King was one of two people arrested Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 and booked on counts of theft of property and possession of stolen property. Phoenix police found up to 1,000 pieces of luggage stolen from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in their home northwest of Phoenix. ((AP Photo/Maricopa County Sheriff's Office))

Stacy Lynne Legg-King, 38, is seen in this undated photo provided by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. King was one of two people arrested Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 and booked on counts of theft of property and possession of stolen property. Phoenix police found up to 1,000 pieces of luggage stolen from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in their home northwest of Phoenix. ((AP Photo/Maricopa County Sheriff's Office))