French gunman had split with wife, was disturbed: Lawyer

Toulouse, France: 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. [caption id=“attachment_258995” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“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. Reuters”]  [/caption] 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 11 March. They had no civil ceremony, required for the marriage to be recognised in France. AP