Bruce E. Ivins, a leading army biodefense researcher committed suicide when he heard about a pending investigation the FBI was going to level against him and the possibility of the death penalty. He was 62.
Bruce E. Ivins had been an anthrax researcher at federal biodefense labs at Fort Detrick, MD for 18 years. He was under investigation by the FBI for a series of anthrax attacks in 2001 that killed five people. Investigators had been tracking Ivins for at least a year, interviewing his family and friends with increasing pressure in recent months.
Bruce E. Ivins knew about the FBI investigation into his role in the 2001 anthrax attacks. He also knew that the Justice Department was going to seek the death penalty when his case got to court.
Ivins apparently killed himself by overdosing on Tylenol mixed with codeine. He leaves behind his wife, Diane.
Source: Associated Press
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