Test Of AZ Deputy's Shirt Comes Back Negative For Gunpowder: 'I Did Not Shoot Myself'

[Joanne98]

An analysis of the shirt worn by Pinal County Arizona Sheriff Deputy Louie Puroll on the day he says he was shot by drug smugglers has come back negative for gunpowder, suggesting the shot was not fired from close range, as some experts who had examined photos of Puroll had suggested to a Phoenix New Times reporter. The test lends support to Puroll's account of the incident, which was questioned by the pathologists and other experts contacted by the New Times. Sheriff Paul Babeu told reporters yesterday that the matter is now closed.

Puroll was shot April 30 in a remote part of the Arizona desert. He said he was shot in a gun battle with men he suspected to be drug smugglers. The incident occurred just days after Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed the state's controversial new immigration law, and the case attracted widespread coverage, and was hyped by border security hawks. Babeu -- who has risen to national prominence as a voice on border security -- reopened the case two weeks ago after the New Times article raised questions about Puroll's story, including why the shirt he was wearing was never tested for traces of gunpowder.

Last night, Puroll spoke to the press for the first time since the incident.

"I did not shoot myself," Puroll told reporters at a press conference, in video aired on 3TV news.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that the Arizona Department of Public Safety analysis concluded "a hole was located on the back left side of the t-shirt. The area around the hole was microscopically and chemically processed for the presence of gunshot residues. Bullet wipe was found which is consistent with the passage of a bullet; however, no gun power was detected."

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/10/test_of_az_sheriffs_shirt_comes_back_negative_for.php?ref=fpb

[Turbineguy]

1. I did not touch myself

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FGk63Fv7t4

[Kweli4Real]

2. I saw the report on this morning's new ...

and all I could say was, "No, the tests show that the shirt that was submitted for testing (3 weeks after the incident) showed no signs of gunpowder.

[classysassy]

3. The carpetbaggers that invaded Arizona

and took over the state.McCain,Kyl,Brewer,Pearce,Babeu,Arpio,all republicans,none born in Arizona.The elderly citizens(mostly ill informed) continue to re elect the evil,racist in our state.It is difficult to live among these uncivil people and not be upset with their behavior.