Introduction: Netflixs Evil Genius gripping docuseries, “Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist,” delves deep into the spine-tingling events surrounding the notorious “collar bomb” case that unfolded in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2003. This compelling documentary resurrects the perplexing tale of Brian Wells, an unsuspecting pizza delivery driver whose life took a horrific turn when he was forced to rob a bank with a bomb clamped around his neck. This article endeavors to unveil the intricate details of this case and its key players, shedding light on a true crime story that continues to baffle and captivate audiences worldwide.
The Collar Bomb Heist – A Chilling Overview
On the fateful day of August 28, 2003, Brian Wells, a seemingly innocent pizza deliveryman, entered the PNC Bank in Erie, Pennsylvania at approximately 2:20 p.m. Netflixs Evil Genius Wells’ bizarre appearance, carrying what seemed to be a walking cane and concealing an improvised explosive device beneath his t-shirt, immediately raised alarm bells among bank staff and customers. With a homemade shotgun at his side, Wells handed a note to the teller demanding $250,000. In a mere 12 minutes, he left the bank with nearly $9,000, as if scripted from a thriller novel.
However, the unfolding events took a sinister turn when Wells retrieved another note from beneath a rock at a nearby McDonald’s. Within moments, law enforcement authorities confronted him in the parking lot of an Eyeglass World retail store, where they promptly handcuffed him.
It was during this intense confrontation that Wells revealed his grim predicament, asserting that he had been attacked by a group of men who forcibly attached the bomb to his body. He repeatedly warned the authorities that the bomb was set to detonate, uttering the chilling words, “It’s going to go off.” Approximately 20 minutes after Wells was handcuffed, the device began beeping, and within ten seconds, it exploded, taking his life in front of a horrified crowd.
The Complex Web of Conspirators
The investigation into this bizarre case unveiled a labyrinth of conspirators and motives. Inside Wells’ car, investigators discovered detailed instructions on disarming and removing the bomb, implying the involvement of multiple individuals in this sinister plot. The scavenger hunt notes contained language such as “we” and “us,” suggesting a collective effort.
A significant Netflixs Evil Genius breakthrough occurred when William Rothstein, a local resident, alerted state police to a frozen body in his garage. Rothstein claimed that his former fiancée, Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, had murdered her boyfriend, James Roden, and concealed his body in the freezer. This revelation led to Diehl-Armstrong’s arrest, and she later confessed to her involvement and implicated Rothstein in the collar bomb crime.
Further revelations came from a fellow inmate, who disclosed that Diehl-Armstrong had confessed to killing Roden to prevent him from exposing the collar bomb scheme. Rothstein was implicated as the bomb’s architect, driven by financial motives. Kenneth Barnes, a longtime friend of Diehl-Armstrong, admitted to assaulting Wells on the day of the bank heist when Wells attempted to escape the group of conspirators.
In 2007, Diehl-Armstrong and Barnes were indicted for their roles in the deadly bank robbery. U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan asserted that Brian Wells had also been part of the plot, though his role had transitioned from planning to being an unwilling participant.
Where Are They Now – Collar Bomb Conspirators
William Rothstein: Rothstein succumbed to terminal cancer before facing charges, evading legal consequences.
Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong: Diehl-Armstrong passed away from natural causes while serving a life sentence. Her crimes included the bank robbery, as well as the murder of her boyfriend.
Kenneth Barnes: Barnes was sentenced to 270 months for conspiracy to commit armed bank robbery. He is currently incarcerated in Florida, with an expected release date in 2027.
Hoopsick: Hoopsick, while never officially considered a conspirator, had a history of criminal involvement. She could not be reached for comment by the time of this writing.
Conclusion
The “collar bomb” case stands as a chilling and bewildering chapter in the annals of true crime. Netflix docuseries, “Netflix’s Evil Genius,” masterfully explores the intricate web of conspirators and motives that shrouded this heinous crime. The tragic fate of Brian Wells, the central figure in this macabre plot, serves as a haunting reminder of the dark depths human malevolence can reach. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the case, shedding light on the shocking events that continue to intrigue and mystify us.