Suspect very considerately included return address on poisoned packages sent to the Pentagon
Someone needs to retake Committing Crimes 101.
Law enforcement officials have identified a former Navy sailor who they suspect was behind a package that arrived Monday at the Pentagon containing a poisonous substance known as ricin, Fox News reported Wednesday. How did they find a suspect so quickly? Easy, they just checked the return address.
Two ricin-laced packages arrived at the Pentagon reportedly addressed to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Chief of Naval Operations John Richardson. The Secret Service apparently tipped Pentagon officials, who put the packages under quarantine before anyone was hurt.
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But the mystery of the poisoned packages may soon be wrapped up in a neat bow, if the person responsible really included their return address. The sailor was either framed by a very strategic criminal or simply very considerate, but either way, the FBI agents investigating the case surely appreciate the properly addressed mail.
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Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
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