Sealed Records Are Key to Anthrax Mystery

One of the nation's biggest unsolved mysteries could be resolved soon when the Justice Department discloses details of its investigation of a government scientist who committed suicide last week before he could be charged in the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001.

The case against Bruce Ivins, who worked at an Army biodefense lab at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md., is before a federal grand jury and under court seal. Opening those records would be the first step in ending the federal investigation of a notorious crime that killed five and sickened 17 others.

Ivins, 62, swallowed a fatal dose of acetaminophen Tuesday as federal authorities closed in on him as the prime suspect.

Justice Department attorneys are working to unseal records in the case. "As soon as the legal constraints barring disclosure are removed, we will make public as much information as possible ... at one time, in one place," FBI Assistant Director John Miller said.

Ivins' attorney said his client was innocent and had cooperated with investigators for more than a year.

"We are saddened by his death and disappointed that we will not have the opportunity to defend his good name and reputation in a court of law," attorney Paul Kemp said.

A government scientist close to the investigation, who spoke anonymously because he is not authorized to talk to reporters, told the Associated Press that DNA from the remains of anthrax victims was matched to DNA in anthrax cultures that only Ivins dealt with in the lab. He said Ivins "was the primary suspect for some time."

Details about Ivins' mental state emerged from Maryland District Court. His therapist, Jean Duley, sought a restraining order last month after she said he threatened her. In an audio recording on the Web site of The New York Times, which said it was released by the court,...