From Pizza Delivery to Fatal Bank Robbery
The story of the pizza delivery man, Brian Wells, who was coerced into robbing a bank with a bomb strapped around his neck, remains one of the most baffling and intricate cases in criminal history. The "Collar-Bomb Heist" has intrigued the public and law enforcement alike, leading to numerous theories and investigations. But who was truly behind this elaborate and deadly plot?
The Heist Unfolds
On Aug. 28, 2003, Brian Wells walked into a PNC Bank in Erie, Pennsylvania, with a bomb collar fastened around his neck. He handed the teller a note demanding $250,000 but left with only $8,702. When police apprehended him shortly after the robbery, Wells revealed the existence of the bomb, which detonated before the bomb squad arrived, killing him instantly. This shocking incident launched an extensive investigation.
The Mastermind Revealed
Years of investigation by the FBI finally pointed to a woman named Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong as the architect behind the heist. Diehl-Armstrong, a convicted murderer with a history of mental illness, was said to have concocted the entire heist to get rid of her father and inherit his money. Her accomplices included Kenneth Barnes, a former drug dealer, and William Rothstein, an ex-boyfriend. According to court documents, the plot was far more complex than initially believed, including a scavenger hunt for the keys to unlock Wells' collar bomb after the robbery.
The Murder of James Roden
An integral part of the story involves the murder of James Roden, Diehl-Armstrong's boyfriend who was living with her at the time. Roden was killed because he threatened to expose the collar-bomb plot. Diehl-Armstrong enlisted the help of Rothstein to dispose of Roden's body, which was hidden in his freezer for weeks following the collar-bomb incident. In a bizarre twist, it was Rothstein himself who called the police, saying he could not go through with grinding up the body, implicating Diehl-Armstrong in the crime. Diehl-Armstrong was then arrested for the murder of Roden and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Role of Kenneth Barnes
Barnes, an old friend of Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, was hired by her to kill her father, with the promise of payment from the robbery proceeds. While Barnes was already incarcerated on drug charges, his brother-in-law came forward with information that Barnes had freely shared about the plot. To reduce his sentence, Barnes cooperated with the authorities and revealed that Diehl-Armstrong had enlisted his help, along with Rothstein and Wells, in the elaborate scheme.
Wells: Victim or Participant?
One of the enduring questions surrounding the case is whether Brian Wells was a willing participant or an innocent victim. The investigation revealed conflicting evidence. While some believed Wells was complicit, possibly coerced with the promise of a share in the loot, others saw him as a pawn who was double-crossed by the conspirators.
During Barnes' confession, Wells was allegedly complicit in the plan in exchange for a share of the cash, but he realized his life was genuinely at risk when he discovered the bomb was real. Wells had tried to escape but was tackled and held at gunpoint until the bomb was locked around his neck.
The Verdict Unveiled
Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole, cementing her role as the mastermind of the plot. The case has left a lasting impact on those involved and continues to be a subject of fascination and speculation. It has been the focus of documentaries and articles, underscoring the bizarre and tragic nature of the events that unfolded.
The Final Delivery
The "Collar-Bomb Heist" remains one of the most perplexing and horrifying crimes in recent history. With Diehl-Armstrong identified as the mastermind, the case underscores the lengths to which individuals will go for financial gain and the devastating consequences of such plots. Wells, whether victim or participant, paid the highest price in a scheme that shocked the nation.
References: Collar-Bomb Case Charges in Bizarre '03 Bank Heist | Collar Bomber: The true story of the strangest heist ever
