PlusScientist: DNA Led Agents to Anthrax SuspectScientist: DNA Led Agents to Anthrax SuspectThe Associated PressA government scientist says DNA from the bodies of people killed in the anthrax attacks helped lead investigators to the suspect. He says investigators matched specific DNA patterns to cultures Bruce Ivins was responsible for. (August 3)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] The investigation into the anthrax killer is being called the F-B-I's most expensive and compelling undertaking ever.The agency spent more than 10 million dollars and recruited top genome researchers from across the country to find out who was responsible for the 2001anthrax attacks.Bruce Ivins killed himself last week as prosecutors prepared to indict him on murder charges in connection with the case.A government scientist...who spoke to the A-P on the condition of anonymity...says D-N-A was taken from the bodies of those who died...then researchers used new genome technology to identify the anthrax strain that killed the victims.They eventually linked that specific type of anthrax to the biological weapons lab run by Ivins.((SOUNDBITE: Pauline Duggan, Bruce Ivins neighbor: We knew that Bruce worked at Fort Dietrich, we knew that he worked with pathogens. You know, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that they might be looking at him.)) The Army lab had long been on the F-B-I's radar....but the technology used to track down Ivins was either unavailable or too expensive to use on a regular basis up until 3 years ago. 5 people died and 17 others were sickened by anthrax-laced envelopes sent through the mail in the weeks following the September 11th terror attacks. Officials say the Justice Department is expected to decide within the next few days whether to close the investigation.
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