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Post by Scumhunter on Feb 10, 2019 3:13:07 GMT -5
 (Above photo credits: Atlanta Journal-Constitution website via U.S. Marshals service) From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution website (ajc.com): The U.S. Marshals Service has joined the search for a disbarred lawyer wanted in connection with the stabbing death of his mother. Richard Merritt, 44, was scheduled to report to custody Feb. 1 after pleading guilty to theft and elder abuse in Cobb County, but he disappeared after allegedly removing his ankle monitor, according to authorities. The search ramped up Feb. 2 when his mother, Shirley Merritt, was found dead in what DeKalb police said appears to be an isolated, domestic-related incident. Her son is the primary suspect, police spokesman J.D. Spencer said. U.S. marshals released on Saturday a surveillance photo of Merritt at a gas station in metro Atlanta shortly after he allegedly removed his ankle monitor. The location of the gas station where he was apparently spotted at was not provided. The agency is offering a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to his capture. In February of last year, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Merritt was disbarred and jailed after he admitted to stealing $75,000 from a client’s settlement in February 2017. He pleaded guilty three weeks ago in Cobb County court for settling civil lawsuits without telling his clients and keeping the money for himself, according to prosecutors. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison and 15 on probation and ordered to pay $454,706 in restitution. Merritt asked for some time to get his affairs in order, and a Cobb County judge agreed. He was ordered to return to custody by 5 p.m. Feb. 1, the day before officers found Shirley Merritt dead inside her Planters Row home near Stone Mountain. When officers responded about 9:30 a.m. that morning, they found Shirley’s vehicle missing, according to U.S. marshals. Richard Merritt’s vehicle was found at the scene. Merritt may be driving his mother’s vehicle, a 2009 silver Lexus RX350 with Georgia tag CBV6004. “He may have shaved his head or otherwise changed his appearance, and should be considered armed and dangerous,” a U.S. Marshals Service spokesman said in a release. “Do not try to engage him. If you see Merritt, please contact law enforcement immediately.” Anyone with information is asked to call DeKalb police at 770-724-7850 or the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-Wanted-2 (1-877-926-8332). Tips can also be emailed to usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.
To remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, text information to 274637 or visit the Crime Stoppers website.www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/new-feds-join-search-for-disbarred-lawyer-wanted-his-mother-death/nulfmplapX7G2P9k1pYxLJ/Thoughts? I am placing Richard Merritt in the Fugitives on TV section because the manhunt for him has been covered at least online by all major national media outlets (NBC, Fox News etc...) As for why Merritt allegedly killed his own mother, according to a U.S. Marshal interviewed on NBC News: "He allegedly killed his mother so someone else that could be close to him, could trust him, could try to help him, and he could potentially kill them, too." www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/disbarred-georgia-lawyer-accused-removing-ankle-monitor-murdering-his-mother-n969686Whatever his alleged motive may have been, I have a huge concern for the safety of the general public while Merritt is on the run, considering police say he already killed his own mother. I also feel whoever let him remain out on ankle monitor when he was about to go to jail for 15 years has blood on their hands as well. They might have been financial crimes but Merritt was looking at 15 years! Why wouldn't he flee? Let's hope he's caught soon and peacefully. Admin Note: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form |
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Post by Scumhunter on Feb 19, 2019 0:56:19 GMT -5
Emotional interview with Richard Merritt's brother, who is understandably angry and upset and has stressed to Merritt to turn himself in. Should also be stressed that Merritt's victims plead for the judge to not let him out to "get his affairs in order" but we see how well that worked out. (Somewhat off-topic but what is it with the state of Georgia? It seems the Atlanta area and the state in general sees more fugitives fleeing after conviction or during trials than any other state. They really need to change the laws as they seem (synonym for butt)-backwards there.) www.fox5atlanta.com/news/i-team/brother-of-fugitive-and-accused-killer-richard-merritt-talks |
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Post by Scumhunter on Mar 29, 2019 22:35:41 GMT -5
There's a theory Merritt could actually be in Saudi Arabia of all places. He spent time there as a child. Merritt's brother seems to disagree with this though. (from the wording on the article it sounds like disagrees, but does acknowledge he probably left the country). www.wxxv25.com/2019/03/29/hunt-richard-merritt-continues/ |
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Post by Scumhunter on Jul 26, 2019 15:21:13 GMT -5
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Post by HeadMarshal on Jul 26, 2019 15:59:02 GMT -5
Since that's unfortunately the case, perhaps the Marshals should take advantage of one of their open 15 MW spots and put Richard Merritt on the list. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2019 19:30:45 GMT -5
HM, I agree about getting the two (or three) open spots on the USMS list filled.
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Post by 912thamwuser on Jul 26, 2019 21:07:44 GMT -5
HM, I agree about getting the two (or three) open spots on the USMS list filled. Just to be clear, there are 3 vacancies on the US Marshals' 15 Most Wanted. My biggest fear is that those vacancies, unless they're waiting for the last 1/3 of the year like they did in '018, that they're not going to fill those vacancies AT ALL this year, it'll be a whole year with zero new additions, and we're never going to hear an explanation why EITHER. |
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Post by Scumhunter on Jul 27, 2019 0:26:06 GMT -5
This is only my theory/speculation but placement on the list means additional time and money thanks to increased resources, I don't think they have the budget the FBI does so perhaps that is the reason the list isn't as updated as often as we would like.
I would agree Merritt would be an excellent selection the next time they do update the list.
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Post by outlawtaco on Sept 15, 2019 21:12:37 GMT -5
Heard of this case a few months ago considering how much time has passed he is most likely getting assistance through fellow company members and could be out of the country or maybe hiding in a large rich area like southern florida like miami or fort Lauderdale or Houston texas but like with Chadwick's capture he could be in a wealthy community like in atlixco puebla mexico where Chadwick was captured
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Post by HeadMarshal on Sept 30, 2019 17:49:18 GMT -5
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Post by Scumhunter on Sept 30, 2019 18:32:58 GMT -5
Well so much for his airing on Season 2 of In Pursuit lol. Great news!
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Post by 912thamwuser on Oct 2, 2019 20:58:43 GMT -5
Well so much for his airing on Season 2 of In Pursuit lol. Great news! Do you know if there's still time to replace Merritt's airing? |
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Post by Scumhunter on Oct 2, 2019 21:18:08 GMT -5
Assuming so. IP seems to be a bit more able to maneuver breaking news while The Hunt was more set in stone in advance. But it is mathematically/law of averages impossible that there will not be fugitives captured before airing at one point in the future and not much one can do. So even if not Merritt, there will come a day where they have a to air a case already solved. I refer to the other thread about Hilario Sierra, in that we just should just celebrate the good news whenever there is a capture. And of course, the sooner they are captured to not harm anyone else the better, even if it means one less solvable slot on the new season.
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Post by ninja108 on Oct 3, 2019 1:11:55 GMT -5
I'm glad this case was solved but it never should have come to this.
Just me but if someone pleads guilty to a crime that resulted in injury or death,they should be locked up,not given a chance to run.
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Post by Scumhunter on Oct 3, 2019 1:14:34 GMT -5
Just a note that Merritt allegedly killed his mother after conviction of fraud charges. However, he was facing 15 years and his own brother pleaded to not let him remain free. So it was still stupid to let him out even if a financial case since we saw what would soon happen.
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