DNA fingered anthrax suspect

2008-08-04 21:16

Washington - DNA analysis of anthrax in victims' bodies led investigators to the government scientist who killed himself just before he was charged in the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks, US media reported on Monday.

The Justice Department could declare the case, in which five people were killed, closed as early as Monday, according to NBC News.

New scientific techniques allowed investigators to create a DNA fingerprint of the anthrax sent through the mail that matched anthrax at Bruce Ivin's lab, the reports said.

"That science was developed while we were investigating," Joseph Persicini of the Federal Bureau of Investigation told the network.

At least 10 other people had access to a flask containing anthrax at Ivins's lab, the New York Times said, citing a source who spoke on condition of anonymity.

But pre-stamped envelopes used in the attacks were traced to three Maryland post offices including one where Ivins had long rented a box under an assumed name, the paper said.

It also cited records of Ivins's extensive after-hours use of his lab at the US Army's bio-defence research laboratories at Fort Detrick, Maryland, around the time the anthrax letters were mailed.

Threatened therapist

New details emerged about Ivins's mental history, meanwhile. His therapist had sought a restraining order against Ivins in July after he threatened her.

In an audio recording released by the Maryland District Court, the therapist said Ivins threatened to "go out in a blaze of glory" by shooting his co-workers if he were indicted on the anthrax charges, according to The New York Times.

Five people were killed and at least 17 made ill after handling anthrax-tainted letters that were addressed to prominent politicians and journalists in the deadliest bio-terrorism attack in US history.

Ivins, 62, had helped the FBI analyse one of the envelopes filled with anthrax spores sent to a US senator's office in Washington, before becoming a prime suspect in the case.

He died July 29 of an overdose of prescription Tylenol mixed with codeine.

Former co-workers said he had been treated for depression and had threatened suicide as the investigation against him intensified.

- AFP