Sniper suspect says he had 'intrinsic urge' to kill people

RENO -- A 20-year-old Minnesota man, accused of a sniper attack on cars on the freeway west of Reno, wanted to experience "the thrill of killing people."

In an interview with the Reno Gazette-Journal, Christopher Merritt, who was returned to Reno Tuesday from Las Vegas where he was arrested by the Nevada Highway Patrol, discounted the statement of Sheriff Dick Kirkland who said the sniper wanted to hit the drivers of the cars so they would stop and he could rob them.

Merritt said there was too much traffic on Interstate 80 to rob anybody and he might be recognized by other motorists.

In the interview, Merritt said he had an "intrinsic urge" to kill people and his shooting spree would make a "satirical statement about society." He said he holds little value for human life, adding, "There is nothing terrific about it."

Merritt of Mankato, Minn., purchased the 22 rifle he used in the shooting at a sporting goods store in his home town.

"They'll sell it to anybody because they all work on commission," Merritt said.

His shots hit eight cars and wounded three people, one of them seriously. Potential charges include attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon and shooting at an occupied car.

He is being held without bail.

Merritt's stepfather, Duane Bressler, called him a "perfect kid."

"We love him," Bressler said, adding that Merritt had no police record and had been living with him and his mother for about 10 years.

Merritt told the Highway Patrol he stole the pickup truck of his grandfather because he wanted to see the country. He planned to visit Las Vegas and Gallup, N. M.

"They are glamorized places well known in the news for being tied in with violence," Merritt said.

His plan was to find a strategic location along the freeway in Reno and shoot at the cars. In that way, he said, nobody would see him.

The shooting took place Monday morning. Merritt was captured Monday evening in Las Vegas when stopped by Trooper Rosell Owens for a burned-out light on the license plate. It was then learned the car was stolen, and authorities found weapons and ammunition inside.

He told officers he intended to rob convenience stores along his route but that they were always too crowded and he did not want to be recognized.

Kirkland, at a news conference Tuesday, described Merritt as a "lunatic," a "goofball" and someone who "is not a rocket ship commander."

Merritt said he was pleased with the results of his sniper attack but added he would have been "more gratified " if he had killed someone.

He was confined to a cell in the Washoe County jail where he could be examined by a psychiatrist.

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