A man charged in freeway shootings that rattled Phoenix last year has been released from jail amid questions about the evidence that authorities say links him to the crimes.
(FOX)- The release of Leslie Merritt Jr. on Tuesday came after a judge reduced his bond to zero and said he can return to his home under electronic monitoring.
“I am just ready to go home and be with my kids,” Merritt said moments after walking out of jail.
The reduction of the bond — once $1 million — was a major victory as defense lawyers contend that ballistic tests cast doubt on the claim by authorities that Merritt was behind 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.”
Merritt lifted up his shackled arms in celebration as he walked from the courtroom. After the hearing, family members hugged and shook the hands of defense lawyers.
Merritt has pleaded not guilty to drive-by shooting, aggravated assault and other charges.
Judge Warren Granville has imposed a gag order on lawyers in the case. As a result, lawyers said they could not discuss the evidence that prompted the shift in bond.
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials declined to comment, citing the gag order. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office did not immediately return requests for comment.