Summary Box: Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong, the “pizza bomber” mastermind, died in prison in 2017 with a net worth of $0. Despite a legal battle over her father’s estate, she received no inheritance.
The “Pizza Bomber” and Her Missing Millions
Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong gained notoriety for her involvement in the 2003 “pizza bomber” case, a bizarre crime that captivated the nation. The Netflix documentary “Evil Genius” further fueled public interest in her life, including her finances. Contrary to assumptions of ill-gotten gains, Diehl-Armstrong died penniless. This article explores the irony of her alleged financial motive for the crime versus the reality of her zero net worth, focusing on the inheritance dispute that left her with nothing.
The Inheritance: A Lost Fortune
Diehl-Armstrong’s father, William A. Diehl, possessed a substantial estate, estimated to be worth approximately $1.8 million upon his death. While the exact date of his passing remains unclear, it occurred prior to the 2003 pizza bomber incident. This seemingly considerable sum raised questions about why Diehl-Armstrong, who appeared to be motivated by financial gain, received none of it.
A Strained Relationship and Disinheritance
The relationship between Diehl-Armstrong and her father was reportedly fraught with tension. This strained relationship likely influenced his decision to exclude her from his will. He distributed his assets among other family members, leaving Diehl-Armstrong with nothing. The specific reasons for this disinheritance are not publicly known, but it’s plausible that her documented mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder, may have played a role. Other factors influencing his decision may never be fully understood.
Diehl-Armstrong’s Legal Fight: A Losing Battle
Despite facing charges related to the pizza bombing, Diehl-Armstrong challenged her father’s will in court. This legal battle, which continued after her 2010 conviction, ultimately proved unsuccessful. The courts upheld her father’s decision, solidifying her financial destitution. News outlets, such as GoErie.com and TribLive.com (though specific links from that time are now difficult to locate), covered this legal battle, offering glimpses into its complexities.
Timeline of the Inheritance Dispute
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Pre-2003 | William A. Diehl distributes his estate, excluding Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong. |
| Post-2003 | Diehl-Armstrong contests the will. |
| 2017 | Diehl-Armstrong dies in prison with a net worth of $0. |
Untapped Potential: The Irony of It All
The perceived financial motive behind the pizza bomber case contrasts starkly with Diehl-Armstrong’s actual financial state. The inheritance, a potential lifeline, remained untapped. This raises questions about the true motivations behind her involvement in the crime. Was it solely driven by financial desperation? Or did her mental health, strained family relationships, and a perceived sense of injustice contribute to her actions?
Conclusion
Marjorie Diehl-Armstrong’s story is a tragic illustration of a life marked by unmet expectations and legal battles. Despite a potential inheritance, she died penniless, adding another layer of complexity to the already perplexing pizza bomber case. While the exact reasons behind her father’s decision to disinherit her may remain unknown, her zero net worth underscores the tragic irony of her alleged pursuit of wealth.
Further Reading
- Information on the “pizza bomber” case can be found through searches relating to “Brian Wells” and the “2003 Erie bombing.” While specific archival news links may be difficult to track down, contemporary articles and documentaries offer valuable insights into the case.
