Scottsdale Police documents shed some light on the arrest and first-degree murder charge against John Merryman IV in what investigators believe was a random act of violence that took the life of Scottsdale resident Scott Harkness.
Independent Newsmedia obtained a Form IV through the Maricopa County Superior Court’s public records system. The document is a “probable cause statement” issued by the arresting police department filed with the Maricopa County clerk’s office as a part of the filing of a direct complaint, or may be filed as part of the initial appearance documents in an indictment.
Scottsdale Police spokesman Aaron Bolin told the Independent because this case is pending in court, the department would not provide details beyond what’s in the Form IV.
