Defense attorneys give glimpse into freeway shooters case

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The attorneys for the man arrested in the freeway shootings are speaking out about the case, giving a glimpse inside what they call is a botched investigation.

Leslie Merritt Jr. was not by his attorneys side Thursday, as they revealed some key pieces of evidence in the case. They say he is having a difficult time transitioning back into life and is showing signs of PTSD. Meanwhile the attorneys gave the media a look at the bullets at the center of the investigation.

"Leslie was branded as public enemy number 1, and called a domestic terrorist, and those are some damning words," said Jason Lamm.

Attorneys presented their case to reporters. Photos of the four vehicles Merritt was accused of shooting, and of the four bullets retrieved from the cars. A ballistic analysis by DPS matched the bullets to Merritt's gun, but a second analysis came up with different results.

"It could not be determined that Leslie's gun fired the bullets, it was insufficient to constitute an identification, he was highly critical of DPS's work," said Lamm.

Attorneys also pointed out cell phone analysis done by the FBI that shows Merritt was not in the area during the shootings. The question they could not answer is where did the DPS investigation go wrong.

"When they are gripped in the emotion of a serial shooter they can be susceptible to making rash decisions," said Ulises Ferragut.

The Maricopa County Attorney says they are still investigating Merritt and could re-file charges in the future. But Merritt's attorneys had this warning.

"I would caution DPS and the county to be very, very careful, because if they continue to add to the damage they caused this young man there will be a very big price to pay, and the taxpayers shouldn't have to pay the price," said Ferragut.

Attorneys are moving forward with a $10 million lawsuit against the state and county.