The woman accused of masterminding a bank robbery with a bomb strapped around the neck of a pizza deliveryman has been ruled competent to stand trial. Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong can now stand trial for the robbery that killed Brian Wells.Armstrong suffers from bipolar disorder, according to court records.
A year ago, U.S. District Judge Sean McLaughlin ruled that Armstrong was not competent to stand trial due to her mental illness. This week, Judge McLaughlin ruled that the 60-year-old has recovered to the point that she could understand the charges and assist her lawyer in her defense.
Bomb Exploded on TV
On August 28, 2003, pizza delivery man Brian Douglas Wells was locked into a bombing device when he robbed a bank branch near Erie, Pennsylvania. When he was stopped and handcuffed by state police following the robbery, the bomb exploded, killing him instantly.
The explosion was captured live on television news in Erie.
On Dec. 4, 2008, Kenneth E. Barnes was sentenced to 45 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to using a destructive device during a crime of violence and conspiracy to commit bank robbery in the case.
Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong has maintained that she is innocent of planning the robbery.
See Also:
Pa. Collar-Bomb Suspect Ruled Competent for Trial
Earlier Articles:
Man Gets 45 Years in Collarbomb Case
Two Indicted in Pizza-Bomb Robbery Case
What Is Your Opinion?
Discuss The Pizza Bomber Case
Free Newsletter:
Get the Crime & Punishment Newsletter
Photo: Mug Shot
Comments