Subway Bomb Suspect Loves N.Y., Wife Says
The man accused of firebombing a crowded subway car in an extortion attempt could not have committed such a crime, his wife insisted Tuesday.
Edward J. Leary “has always loved New York City,” especially its subways, Marge Shaller said. “He enjoyed the transit system--he felt it was something that was a gift.”
Leary was in critical but stable condition with severe burns over nearly half his body.
“No, I don’t think he did it,”’ Shaller said. “I think he’s a victim.”
A grand jury indicted Leary on one count each of attempted murder, assault, attempted grand larceny and criminal possession of a weapon.
Police had filed 45 counts of attempted murder against Leary. But because authorities are still investigating whom Leary allegedly intended to harm, the grand jury returned a single count of attempted murder against an unnamed victim.
The grand jury is expected to return additional counts as victims recover and are able to testify. Leary could face up to 25 years in prison on the attempted murder charge alone.
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