The retired detective accused of being the "Bling Bandit" is awaiting a psychiatric evaluation, but Athelson Kelson's mother seems to confirm the "suicide-by-cop" hypothesis. Referring to her son's terminal liver cancer, she told the Daily News, "He just didn't want to live like that. He just wanted to die." Kelson allegedly held up banks in Queens and on Long Island, while making no attempt to disguise himself or to wear gloves--and wearing flashy jewelry, including a ring that detectives receive when they retire. Last week, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said, "It is very sad and shocking. He was very well thought of in the department." more ›

Authorities have questioned a retired and respected NYPD detective of holding up banks in Queens and on Long Island. The suspect was dubbed the "Bling Bandit" by Newsday after surveillance footage showed "he repeatedly flashed an abundance of gold jewelry on both hands. " Athelson Kelson, a Vietnam veteran who worked on the Joint Terrorism task force, reportedly surrendered at a Queens precinct house last night, and Daily News sources say it seemed like he was trying to commit suicide by cop, "He didn't hide who he was. He didn't wear gloves or cover his face. He was begging to be recognized and caught. Anyone who knows him, and sees the video, knows it's him." more ›