Judge Lowers Bail In Phoenix Freeway Shooter Case
A judge has lowered the bail for a man charged in several freeway shootings that put drivers on edge in metro Phoenix this past summer.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren Granville reduced Leslie Merritt Jr.'s $1 million bond to $150,000 Monday after his attorney Jason Lamm made an alibi claim that wasn't considered by the court that set his original bond.
“Mr Merritt has no idea who the victims are," said Lamm. "The court knows our position and it is very clear from that position that he has an alibi for each and every one of the incidents, alleged.”
Defense attorneys wanted to call witnesses to showcase their alibi claim, but Judge Granville didn't allow that testimony.
Authorities say they used ballistic tests to tie the 21-year-old Merritt to four of the 11 shootings on freeways between Aug. 22 and Sept. 10.
The investigation into the other shootings remains open. Merritt has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
