James Blanning

James Blanning was found dead of an apparent shooting suicide after Aspen police identified him as the suspect who attempted to extort tens of thousands of dollars from Aspen, Colorado-area banks. Blanning threatened two banks on New Year's Eve, 2008, with bombs disguised as Christmas presents. An accompanying note promised "mass deaths" if the banks did not comply to his demands.FOXNews.com: Aspen Recreates New Year's Eve After 'Mass Death' Bomb Scare (January 2, 2009)

Blanning is believed to have halted his plans after authorities were notified, leaving two bombs in an alley, believed to have been prepared for other banks. 72-year-old Blanning's body was found in his car the next day.FOXNews.com: Aspen Recreates New Year's Eve After 'Mass Death' Bomb Scare (January 2, 2009)

The bomb scare cause the evacuation of a 16-block area leading to the cancellation of New Year's Eve celebrations. On the night of January 1, 2009, Apsen re-created New Year's Eve, including a day-late countdown to midnight. The turnout was said to have attracted hundrends, not the usual thousands.FOXNews.com: Aspen Recreates New Year's Eve After 'Mass Death' Bomb Scare (January 2, 2009)