Toulouse killer split with wife days before attack, lawyer says

Christian Etelin says Mohamed Merah was suffering from ‘psychological difficulties’

TOULOUSE, France (AP) — The lawyer for the now-dead gunman who claimed responsibility for a killing spree in southern France says the man split up with his wife days before the attacks and was suffering “psychological difficulties.”

Lawyer Christian Etelin, speaking Wednesday to The Associated Press, said he believes Mohamed Merah acted as a “lone wolf,” not part of a terrorist network.

Police say Merah, 23, filmed himself killing three Jewish schoolchildren, a rabbi and three paratroopers. Merah was killed in a gunfight with police last week.

Police are searching for potential accomplices, and Merah’s brother is in custody.

Etelin said Merah married in an Islamic ceremony, but the couple separated days before the first attack March 11. They had no civil ceremony, required for the marriage to be recognized in France.