Suspect of Arizona freeway shooting incident lifted up his shackled arms in celebration as he walked from the courtroom. A judge reduced his bond to zero and ordered to send him home under electronic monitoring.
A man charged in freeway shooting that took place in Phoenix, Arizona has been out from prison. This is after defense lawyer Jason Lamm convinced Judge Warren Granville that there is no evidence linking Leslie Merritt Jr. to the four of the freeway shootings.
"With all due respect your honor, there's no evidence against him to show he's responsible for this," defense lawyer Jason Lamm said. "He is no more the I-10 shooter than, respectfully, you are."
According to Town Hall, Merritt has pleaded not guilty to drive-by shooting, aggravated assault and other charges. He lifted up his shackled arms in celebration for his released while walking from the courtroom. After the hearing, family members hugged and shook the hands of the defense lawyer.
21 years old Merritt was arrested by authorities, saying he had committed the freeway shooting in Arizona. He adamantly admitted the crime at the time. His lawyers began to question the evidence, citing that the ballistic tests had shown no match linking him to the shooting.
From $1 million bond set by the judge immediately after his arrest in September, it was decreased to $150,000 in November. And just recently, Merritt's bond reduced to zero.
'I am just ready to go home and be with my kids,' Merritt said moments after walking out of jail.
Lamm said reporters outside the courtroom that Merritt was elated and overwhelmed. 'Our client was branded public enemy No. 1, he was called a domestic terrorist and he's been in jail in solitary confinement for seven months, Lamm said. 'Our reaction? We're thrilled.'
The shooting caused panic in Phoenix-area freeways, where 11 vehicles were hit in August and September. The authorities said that it was the work of domestic terrorist and heightened patrols and surveillance in the area in pursuit of a suspect.
"I'll be here sir," Merritt said as he needs to still show up on May 18, a court date set by Judge Granville.
Suspect of Arizona freeway shooting has been released from prison. This is after his lawyers convinced the judge that the evidence did not link Merritt to the shooting incident.
