Anthrax suspect had history of violent threats

The prime suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks was obsessed with a sorority that sat less than 100 yards away from a New Jersey mail box where toxin laced letters were sent.

Authorities say that may explain one a big mysteries in the case against Bruce Ivins- why the letters were sent from Princeton, nearly 200 miles from the army lab where Ivins worked. But the complex picture of the suspect does not end there.

In the community around Ft. Detrick, Maryland, home to the Army's bio-weapons lab, Dr.Bruce Ivins was well-liked, playing band at church and volunteering with the Red Cross. His neighbors said they liked and trusted him, "we thought this guy was safe. That was the impression we always had."

But at a court hearing 2 weeks ago, a therapist said as long ago as a year before the anthrax mailings, Ivins plotted the violent attacks. Therapist in court says, "As far back as the year 2000, the usspect has actually attempted to murder several other people, either thru poisoning, he is a revenge killer."

Last week, Ivins took an overdose of painkillers at home and died 2 days later.His lawyer blamed the relentless pressure of accusation and innuendo.

The FBI says the heart of its case is a DNA fingerprint of the anthrax sent thru the mail. Officials say it matches the anthrax found at the Ft. Detrick lab where Ivins worked, in a container the FBI believes only Ivins had access to.

The first victim was National Enquirer Photo Editor Bob Stevens. His widow says the government hasn't been upfront with her for 7 years, "I would like them to start from the beginning to the end, give me more concrete details, its alleged this man committed this crime...but they've got alot of info..so its not circumstantial this time..there is something concrete," says Maureen Stevens.

Officials say they determined the postage pre-paid envelopes the letters came in were actually purchased at a post office just a few blocks from the ft. detrick lab.As for a possible motive, Dr. Ivins filed for patents on the military anthrax vaccine he helped developed.

Some investigators believe he stood to gain, financially or professionally.

Maureen Stevens filed a lawsuit claiming the goverment is responsible for her husbands death.

The justice dept. plans to invite victims families to a private briefing in Washington and then make details of the case public.