Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer
Episode 6: Adult Male Loner
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host/Author: Wolf Entertainment + CBC

Introduction

In Episode 6 of "Aftermath: Hunt for the Anthrax Killer," titled "Adult Male Loner," listeners delve deeper into one of the FBI's most perplexing investigations following the 2001 anthrax attacks. This episode unravels the intense scrutiny faced by Stephen Hatfill, a biomedical scientist, and explores the complexities and challenges of the FBI’s pursuit of the elusive anthrax killer.

Background of the Anthrax Attacks

The episode sets the stage in November 2001, amidst the national panic following the anthrax-laced letters sent to media outlets in New York City and government offices in Washington, D.C. The mysterious letters triggered one of the largest and most intricate investigations in FBI history, with authorities desperate to prevent further attacks.

Sam Mullins [03:14]:
"It's November 2001, and there's mass panic about the anthrax attacks. Four letters that appear to have been sent by the same person have arrived in the mail."

Introduction of Ted Hamm and His Bloodhounds

Ted Hamm, a veteran search and rescue worker from Southern California, becomes a pivotal figure when the FBI enlists his expertise with bloodhound dogs to trace the scent of the anthrax killer. Hamm's dogs, renowned for their impeccable tracking abilities, are brought into the investigation in hopes of uncovering crucial clues.

Dan Michalko [02:59]:
"It's a couple of dogs."

Ted's introduction to criminal investigations marks a significant shift from his usual search and rescue missions, bringing a unique dynamic to the case.

FBI Investigation and Profiling

The FBI, struggling to find leads, publicizes a profile of the anthrax mailer, aiming to gather tips from the public. This profile describes the suspect as an "adult male, loner, non-confrontational, quiet, and knowledgeable about microbiology," narrowing the search to potential domestic scientists.

Scott Decker [07:54]:
"The FBI made the profile of the mailer public."

The FBI's profiling leads them to target individuals like Stephen Hatfill, whose background in microbiology and proximity to key locations make him a prime suspect.

Stephen Hatfill as a Suspect

Stephen Hatfill, a former employee at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRID) and a biomedical scientist, becomes the FBI's person of interest. Despite his cooperation, including allowing his home to be searched, the investigation against him is marred by circumstantial evidence and public scrutiny.

Scott Decker [12:02]:
"He was domestic, he was born in the U.S. he wasn't foreign and the profile said it would be a domestic scientist."

The FBI uncovers several coincidences, such as Hatfill's receipt of the antibiotic Cipro shortly before the attacks and his unpublished novel about bioterrorism, which inadvertently ties him to the case.

Scott Decker [10:29]:
"He was just plain pissed off."

Use of Bloodhounds and Its Impact

Ted Hamm's bloodhounds play a critical role when they signal Hatfill’s apartment and his ex-girlfriend’s house. However, their findings lack concrete evidence, leading to increased skepticism within the FBI regarding the reliability of the dogs.

Dan Michalko [19:52]:
"His dog Knight marks a particular step with that pile of poop."

While the bloodhounds bolster the suspicion against Hatfill, the absence of physical evidence such as anthrax residues or matching handwriting raises questions about the validity of their findings.

Doubts and Shifts in Investigation

As the investigation stalls, Agent Scott Decker faces personal challenges, including a divorce and a prostate cancer diagnosis, adding to the pressure. The persistence in pursuing Hatfill despite mounting doubts reflects the FBI's determination, yet also highlights potential flaws in their investigative approach.

Scott Decker [27:25]:
"Each time we turned around and did a little more homework and investigation on this guy, it looked less and less."

The episode emphasizes the strain on both the investigators and Hatfill, culminating in Hatfill’s public denouncement of the FBI's actions and his subsequent lawsuit, which culminates in a $4.6 million settlement for wrongful accusation.

Stephen Hatfill [26:06]:
"I am not the Anthrax King Killer. I know nothing about the anthrax attacks. I had absolutely nothing to do with this terrible crime."

Conclusion and Impact

The episode concludes with the FBI grappling with the implications of potentially accusing the wrong individual. The relentless pursuit of Hatfill, despite the lack of concrete evidence, underscores the complexities and pitfalls of high-profile criminal investigations.

Scott Decker [42:14]:
"The danger is the investigation will be misled. You could work and work to investigate the person who was really innocent at the expense of ignoring the person that really is guilty."

Ultimately, Episode 6 highlights the human cost of the anthrax investigation, the challenges of forensic science in the digital age, and the lasting impact of wrongful accusations on individuals' lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Mullins [00:01]:
  "When a body is discovered 10 miles out to sea, it sparks a mind blowing police investigation."

• Jeremiah Kroll [02:15]:
  "Which is why, in late 2002, the FBI got an idea. Could Ted and his dogs track ascent from a letter?"

• Scott Decker [12:11]:
  "That was a pretty good motive. He's just plain pissed off."

• Stephen Hatfill [26:06]:
  "I am not the Anthrax King Killer. I know nothing about the anthrax attacks."

• Scott Decker [42:14]:
  "The danger is the investigation will be misled."

Key Takeaways:

1. Complexity of the Investigation: The anthrax attacks led to one of the most intricate FBI investigations, involving unconventional methods like bloodhound tracking.

2. Human Impact: The case against Stephen Hatfill illustrates the profound personal and professional ramifications of being wrongfully accused.

3. Investigative Challenges: The reliance on circumstantial evidence and profiling can lead to dead ends and wrongful suspicions, emphasizing the need for robust forensic practices.

4. Long-Term Consequences: The settlement with Hatfill reflects the potential for significant financial and reputational damage when investigations falter.

5. Evolving Techniques: The episode underscores the evolving nature of criminal investigations, balancing traditional methods with innovative tools in the digital era.

Production Credits:

"The Hunt for the Anthrax Killer" is a collaborative production involving Wolf Entertainment, USG Audio, Dig Studios, and CBC Podcasts. Hosted by Jeremiah Kroll, the series benefits from the expertise of creators Scott Tiffany, Dick Warren Wolf, Elliot Wolf, Steven Michael, Josh Block, Jonielle Kastner, Kelly Kolf, Janiel Kastner, Evan Arnett, John O'Hara, and Tanya Springer, among others.

Listen to the full episode and subscribe to CBC True Crime Premium on Apple Podcasts to binge the entire series ad-free. For more content, visit CBC.ca/Podcasts.