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Case Study: Pizza Bomber

Background of the Case

The pizza bomber case involves the murder of a pizza delivery guy who was involved in a complex

and diabolical bank robbery (PNC Bank) in Erie, Pennsylvania (Rosen). Brian Douglas Wells was

born in 1956, November 5 and died in 2003, August 28 due to a bomb explosion on his neck. His

death came after an elaborate bank robbery plot involving Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong (born on 26

February, 1949and died in April 4, 2017 from breast cancer while still in prison), Bill Rothstein

(born in 1944, and died in July 30, 2004 from lymphoma), and Kenneth Barnes (Currently in

prison). The incidence follows a plot by Marjorie to organize the death of her father so that she

would inherit his wealth. She, therefore, organized a bank heist to collect money and pay her

hitman.

Evidence

Police found pieces of evidence in Mr. Well’s car. The evidence collected by the police included

pieces of paper containing detailed handwritten instructions on how Wells would conduct the bank

heist followed by a scavenger hunt for the keys that would unlock the bomb (Schapiro et al., 2019).

Additionally, Diehl-Armstrong and Keneth Barnes also admitted to committing the crime. A short

gun crafted as a walking stick was also found at the crime scene.

Forensic Tests Used for Analysis

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One of the forensic analysis methods used was Questioned Documents Examination which

involves the examining handwriting contained in the evidence documents (David, Day, and

Davies). Questioned documents examiners believe that each in the world had their unique way of

writing which includes the style, characters, proportions, and the dimensions of the letters.

Another forensic method involved is DNA and fingerprint analysis (Ostojic, and Wurmbach).

The Results of Analysis

The DNA analysis showed traces of Well's DNA material on the short gun. Handwriting from

Diehl-Armstrong's documents matched the handwriting on the pieces of paper found in Brian

Well's car.

Resolution of Case

After a thorough police investigation, Diehl-Armstrong and Barnes were arrested and admitted to

committing the crime (Palattella). The investigation concluded that Diehl-Armstrong was the

mastermind of the crime and was sentenced to life imprisonment. Kenneth Barnes, on the other

hand, received a 45-year jail term.

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Works cited

Ellen, David, Day, Stephen, and Davies, Christopher. Scientific examination of documents:

methods and techniques. CRC Press, 2018.

Ostojic, Lana, and Wurmbach. Elisa. "Analysis of fingerprint samples, testing various

conditions, for forensic DNA identification." Science & Justice 57.1 (2017): 35-40.

Palattella, Ed. Erie pizza bomber case: the basics. 28 August 2018. 16 March 2019.

<https://www.goerie.com/news/20180828/erie-pizza-bomber-case-basics>

Rosen, Fred. Blood Crimes: The Pennsylvania Skinhead Murders. Open Road Media, 2015.

Schapiro, R., Schapiro, R., Barrett, B., Barrett, B., Newman, L., & Barrett, B. et al. (2019). The

Incredible True Story of the Collar Bomb Heist. Retrieved from

https://www.wired.com/2010/12/ff-collarbomb/