EVIL GENIUS: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist

 

      The second true crime series that I will be reviewing is Evil Genius.

     

 

 This is the story based on the death of “Pizza Delivery Man” Brian Wells. Brian wells had robbed a bank in his hometown and after being apprehended by police, he had an explosive device around his neck detonated to kill him. This case was often referred to as the “Pizza Bomber” Case. After an FBI case was launched and the truth was unveiled, they soon named this one of the most complicated and unusual cases in US history.

Documentary Breakdown

- The series starts by telling us about the case which seems like a simple bank robbery. It was later discovered that this was a master-minded plan set out to be executed by Brian Wells and created by Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong.

- Brian Wells was considered a willing participant but was told the bomb was fake and couldn’t be detonated, Brian’s family said that Brian was forced to rob the bank and it was not due to the factor of money.

- In this series, they unveil the case and how it had taken 4 years before it was discovered that Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong was the mastermind behind the planning of the bank Heist.

- Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong a mentally ill woman who planned and executed the heist was going to use the money gained from the heist to hire “Kenneth Barnes” to kill her father and then gain his inheritance.

- The series also uncovers other crimes that Armstrong had committed.

- Kenneth Barnes was sentenced to a reduced 22years and 6 months as he had testified against Diehl-Armstrong.

- Another thought to be a participant in the case, Floyd Stockton testified against Armstrong. Granting him immunity, and Armstrong life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. 

- Kenneth and Marjorie both later died in prison.

Review

Overall, I found this documentary very fascinating. The series contains great and accurate detail about the crime and how it has become the case that we know. The series also has some psychological aspects which makes it all the more enticing to watch.

Rating: 8/10