They were “bug” bombs, like what you use to kill roaches or fleas, that were in the house.
I don’t think a guy like this, no matter how angry would use a Flea Bomb to intimidate his neighbors. Sounds more like kids.
The device was a “rodent” smoke bomb, not a “bug” bomb. There’s a big difference.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-05/police-ex-pentagon-official-confused-before-death.html
You’re right...Why would he mess up his “day in court” with these dollar bug bombs. Kids sounds right.