Details released into freeway shooter's interview
New details are released concerning the accused freeway shooter. Documents gave a window into the interview room when DPS investigators questioned Leslie Merritt Junior about the shootings.
Merritt was arrested in connection with 4 of the 11 valley freeway shootings this summer.
The state filed documents asking the court for an extension in page limits, submitting more than 150 pages of evidence in response to the defense's attempt to get the case sent back to the grand jury. The documents reveal what Leslie Merritt Junior told investigators after he was arrested, and they also reveal the phone conversations he had with his girlfriend while he was in jail. Questions about alibis, and deleting certain posts on his Facebook page.
At one point, investigators told Merritt Junior they have video of the freeway showing his silver car, and they have ballistic tests that come back to his gun. Evidence that points to his participation in the freeway shootings.
Merritt continues to deny his involvement, at one point asking investigators how close the cameras can zoom in saying "you will not see me firing that (expletive) gun on the freeway."
The investigators then asked who are we going to so. Merritt Junior responded with "I can't tell you that because I don't know. My gun has been at the pawnshop."
The documents also transcribe the phone calls he made from jail to his girlfriend. In one conversation he told his girlfriend to access his Facebook page and delete all the posts about guns. In another, his girlfriend talks about alibis saying "Oh that's what I'm trying to tell you, they gave me two days, August 29 and 30. That's a Saturday and Sunday. We pawned your gun on August 30. I told my dad that when its time to go up there and speak, because I got my alibis together. We were at my Nana's and my dads that whole weekend. So I got my alibis, Tio, Tony, Tia Sophia, and TJ to say we were there Saturday and Sunday. I got my dad too, because remember I told, I said ok we are going to pawn the gun now, remember that?"
Attorneys for the suspected freeway shooter will argue to have the case sent back to the grand jury. The defense says they also want the state to include evidence of shootings that happened after Merritt's arrest.
Prosecutors say those shootings have nothing to do with the case. A judge ruled to hear arguments on February 19.