Casefile True Crime - Summary of "Introducing Aftermath: Hunt for The Anthrax Killer"
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Introducing Aftermath: Hunt for The Anthrax Killer," Casefile True Crime delves into the harrowing events that unfolded in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Released on April 17, 2025, this episode sets the stage for an eight-part series that explores one of the largest and most perplexing FBI investigations in American history—the hunt for the anthrax killer. Hosted by Casefile Presents, the podcast leverages exclusive access to declassified materials and firsthand accounts to unravel the intricate web of scientific clues, human errors, and personal costs associated with the investigation.
Background: Anthrax Attacks Post 9/11
Weeks after the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks, the United States was thrust into a second wave of terror—not from planes, but from invisible spores of anthrax. These bioterrorism acts involved letters laced with anthrax spores sent through the U.S. mail, causing widespread panic, shutting down government buildings, and overwhelming law enforcement agencies.
Narrator [00:01]: “Weeks after 9/11, a second wave of terror struck the U.S. but this time the weapon was invisible. Anthrax-laced letters sent the nation into panic, shutting down government buildings and overwhelming law enforcement.”
The FBI launched an extensive investigation to identify the perpetrator, grappling with a complex maze of scientific evidence, potential human error, and significant personal sacrifices by those involved.
Robert Stevens: The First Case
The series kicks off with the story of Robert Stevens, a 63-year-old newspaper photo editor from Lantana, Florida, who becomes the first known fatality of inhalation anthrax in the United States in decades.
Jeremiah Kroll [10:17]: “He walked into JFK emergency room at around 2 in the morning. And after they put him on a ventilator and got a chest radiograph, they sent him for a spinal fluid examination, looking for bacteria.”
Stevens exhibited severe symptoms, including chills, fever, disorientation, and vomiting, leading his wife, Maureen, to rush him to the hospital. Dr. Larry Bush, the chairman of infectious diseases at JFK Medical Center, initially struggled to identify the bacteria causing Stevens' meningitis.
News Anchor [11:05]: “You're lucky if you can see one or two bacteria that help you determine what type of bacterial process this may be. His was overwhelming. I saw an overwhelming amount of pus cells. That's a bad sign. That means there's havoc going on in your nervous system.”
Dr. Bush's diagnosis of anthrax was both shocking and alarming, as anthrax was rarely encountered in suburban environments and not commonly considered outside of rural, livestock-associated contexts.
Narrator [13:02]: “This is the moment that it all began right here. For the first time in 25 years, it seems that someone in America has anthrax in their lungs.”
FBI's Investigation Begins
Special Agent Scott Decker, an FBI agent with a Ph.D. in genetics from Harvard, was part of the FBI's newly formed hazardous response team deployed to Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks. Decker's expertise positioned him uniquely to tackle the emerging anthrax crisis.
Scott Decker [02:40]: “Now it's obvious, I think, I think.”
The FBI’s concerns were twofold: investigating the anthrax attacks and preventing a potential secondary biological attack, likely orchestrated by Al Qaeda. The timing and nature of the anthrax letters suggested a methodical and premeditated bioterrorism effort.
Scott Decker [04:06]: “The second attack was going to become at any moment.”
Connections to 9/11 Hijackers
As the investigation unfolded, unsettling connections emerged between the anthrax attacks and the 9/11 hijackers. FBI agents discovered that some of the men who had visited crop dusting schools across the country, including Mohammed Atta—the ringleader of the 9/11 attacks—had shown suspicious behavior and interest in piloting crop dusters, which could potentially be used to disperse anthrax spores.
Jeremiah Kroll [20:27]: “They ground all crop dusters across the country. That solves the immediate problem, but they still have a larger issue. Are there other extremist pilots out there waiting to launch an attack?”
This revelation intensified the FBI’s urgency to link the anthrax attacks directly to the al Qaeda network responsible for the 9/11 attacks. The proximity of the anthrax patient's residence to a flight school frequented by hijackers added another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Challenges and Complexity of the Investigation
The investigation faced numerous hurdles, including misleading information, lack of immediate evidence, and internal challenges within agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initially downplayed the anthrax case as an isolated incident, causing friction with local health officials who suspected a broader bioterrorism threat.
Dr. Jean Malecki [15:00]: “I have a potential anthrax event occurring in my backyard here. I am the chief health officer here, and you're telling me not to act on this.”
Moreover, the Anthrax strain identified in Stevens' case was traced back to a laboratory source, suggesting the possibility of deliberate dissemination rather than a natural occurrence. Dr. Paul Keim, a renowned expert in anthrax DNA fingerprinting, played a pivotal role in analyzing the spores and confirming their origin.
Dr. Paul Keim [25:53]: “For the last 30 years, I've been involved in trying to develop DNA methods for precisely identifying strains of dangerous pathogens so that we can identify where they came from, link them together with outbreaks, and in particular, how they're related to biological weapons.”
Despite these scientific breakthroughs, the investigation stymied progress due to false leads, lack of concrete evidence, and internal disagreements within the FBI. Agent Decker expressed doubts about the case being conclusively solved, highlighting the lingering uncertainties surrounding the perpetrator's identity.
Dr. Paul Keim [08:21]: “I would not consider the case to be closed. In my mind, it certainly is not solved.”
Ongoing Uncertainty and Conclusion
As the narrative progresses, the podcast underscores the enduring mystery and unresolved questions surrounding the anthrax attacks. Nearly 25 years later, the true identity of the anthrax killer remains elusive, with many aspects of the investigation still shrouded in secrecy.
Kroll [06:08]: “What's weird is that almost 25 years later, most Americans still have no idea who is behind these attacks.”
The episode concludes by emphasizing the profound impact these attacks had on American society, shaping biosecurity policies and leaving lasting aftershocks that continue to influence how the nation responds to bioterrorism threats.
Scott Decker [35:05]: “The FBI just needs a little hard evidence, a link that proves who did this so they can stop more deaths.”
Notable Quotes
- Scott Decker [02:40]: “Now it's obvious, I think, I think.”
- Jeremiah Kroll [10:17]: “He walked into JFK emergency room at around 2 in the morning... looking for bacteria.”
- Dr. Paul Keim [25:53]: “I've been involved in trying to develop DNA methods for precisely identifying strains of dangerous pathogens...”
- Dr. Jean Malecki [15:00]: “I have a potential anthrax event occurring in my backyard here...”
- Scott Decker [35:05]: “The FBI just needs a little hard evidence, a link that proves who did this so they can stop more deaths.”
Conclusion
"Introducing Aftermath: Hunt for The Anthrax Killer" sets a compelling foundation for the series, weaving together personal stories, scientific investigation, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It highlights the intricate challenges faced by investigators and the profound uncertainties that still cloud one of the most enigmatic cases in American history. For listeners seeking an in-depth, engaging exploration of a true crime saga, this episode serves as a powerful introduction to the complexities and enduring mysteries of the anthrax attacks.