Supposedly, the sniper wanted to hear some phrase about a duck in a noose. Some folks have claimed this Cherokee myth is the source of that request. What I don't understand is the timing:

1) Why would the sniper want to hear t his after he got caught?

2) Why the heck would the police comply with the sniper's wishes after they believe they've got him in custody.

3) Why was he not a suspect before he was arrested, but now is?