FBI Releases Handwritten Note Found With Bank Robber Killed by Bomb

AP ^ | Feb.10,' 04

[nuconvert]

FBI Releases Handwritten Note Found With Bank Robber Killed by Bomb

By Judy Lin Associated Press Writer

Published: Feb 10, 2004

ERIE, Pa. (AP) - A nine-page handwritten note found in the car of a pizza deliveryman who robbed a bank, then was killed by a bomb fastened around his neck, warned that he would be "destroyed" if police were notified of the plot. Portions of the note released Tuesday by the FBI contained detailed instructions, including a drawing of the McDonald's arches where the deliveryman was to take the money, and the warning: "Act now, think later or you will die!"

The note - the first evidence disclosed in the case in four months - was found with Brian Wells when he died Aug. 28.

Before the bomb exploded, Wells told authorities that he had been forced to rob the bank by someone who locked the collar bomb around his neck. Police surrounded Wells and were waiting for a bomb squad to arrive when the device detonated.

The FBI released photographs of the note, with portions blacked out, in hopes that someone recognizes the author from the penmanship or the writer's penchant for obsessiveness.

FBI Special Agent Bob Rudge said the writer probably conceived the plan over some time - perhaps years - and revenge, not money, may have been the primary motive. He refused to say whether Wells may have been the target of revenge, or another person.

"Because of the time and effort he invested in this whole scheme - constructing the collar bomb and the shotgun and preparing the instruction letter - it is not likely he sat at home waiting to learn how events unfolded," Rudge said, suggesting the suspect was in a position to watch what happened.

In September, investigators released photographs of a triple-banded collar with four keyholes and a combination lock on its heavy homemade clasp and a unique cane-shaped firearm found in Wells' car that the FBI said appeared to be homemade.

FBI agents believe Wells didn't act alone and are leaning toward the theory that Wells was a victim, as he told police. But they haven't entirely ruled out the possibility that he was a willing participant.

[nuconvert]

Definitely one of the weirdest stories of 2003.

[FormerACLUmember]

I agree, I wondered whatever happened to this bizarre case. Ans.:nothing.

[blackdog]

They released only portions last week, I guess thinking that too much information at once would muddle up things.

Don't they have a pond to drain, a baby to shoot, a shotgun to bribe someone to cut short, a scientist to hit and run, a minimum wage security guard to ruin, an Eagle Scout to shoot, a flash bang to set off in their office, anthrax to find, or an interstate to drive the wrong way on while drunk....Killing fellow travellers and blaming the closest van of black folk?

Feh......Worthless agency.

[big bad easter bunny]

http://www.fbi.gov/mostwant/seekinfo/erienotes.htm

[Cboldt]

*bump*

This story really intrigues me. I feel real bad for the pizza delivery man, based on my impression that he was an innocent victim. I hope they find the perp(s) and deliver justice, but with the passage of time, the chances of that diminish.

[blackdog]

Don't forget the dead guy in the freezer too. I think that whole Pocono/Scranton region is suffering from the long term effects of meth consumption and alchoholism. I think the white trash is going goofy.

Remember this is the same place that the Rodham brothers were doing the nasty at 5:00AM after an all night binge with the neighbor's wife in orgy fashion. Most drunks pass out by last call. Throw meth in there and you get this type of nuttiness.

[nuconvert]

interesting handwriting and a decent speller.

[Hollywoodghost]

Another case of the Keystone Kops in action. If They find the persons who did this it will be by a private citizen or by accident. Maybe this is too harsh. If I recall--the Keystone Kops always got their man in the end--even if it was by accidently running over him.

[nuconvert]

Seems that way. But sometimes people start blabbing years down the road. I hope they get the guys, too.

[Cboldt]

Thanks for the link *bump*

[GladesGuru]

The FBI will get their man, no doubt. The question that will remain will be "is the FBI's "man" guilty?

[ntnychik]

What took them so long PING

[Fester Chugabrew]

Very interesting. I would like to know the guiding principle(s) for blacking out 80% or more of the note.

[sandbar]

>Very interesting. I would like to know the guiding >principle(s) for blacking out 80% or more of the note.

What would the point of not? They only need to give a handwriting sample, any more information could hinder the investigation.

[Eastbound]

"interesting handwriting and a decent speller."

" . . . at all time[s](?) . . . durring (?) . . . resturaunt (?)

;>

[nuconvert]

I said decent, not perfect.
I don't expect this guy's a rocket scientist.

[evets]

What's up with the drawing of the McDonald sign? (drive thru/open 24 hrs) was that really needed? Also, who makes the letter 'a' like that? (Not me.) Mixing all CAPS and lowercase is interesting too. ($50,000 reward!)

[Devil_Anse]

I know y'all were interested in the pizza man story.

Grizzfan told me about this new article!

[nuconvert]

They have some artistic ability. Obviously they like to draw, even put grass in pic.

Could have just written McD's.