Disbarred Lawyer Is On The Run After His Mom Is Found Stabbed To Death

The U.S. Marshals Service warns that the public should not approach Richard Merritt, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.

February 08, 2019
Richard V. Merritt [U.S. Marshals Service]

Richard V. Merritt [U.S. Marshals Service]

Richard V. Merritt [U.S. Marshals Service]

By: Mike McPadden

DEKALB COUNTY, GA — The U.S. Marshals Service is asking for the public’s help in locating Richard V. Merritt, a disbarred attorney who is on the run after allegedly murdering his mother.

According to authorities, Merritt, 44, had been convicted of theft and elder abuse and was supposed to report on February 1 to begin serving a 30-year prison sentence. Instead, it’s reported that Merritt cut off his ankle monitor and went missing. He has been on the lam ever since.

The following day, police discovered that Merritt’s elderly mother had been “violently” stabbed to death in her Stone Mountain home. Merritt’s car was parked at the scene, but his mother’s vehicle was gone.

Merritt is believed to be driving a 2009 silver Lexus RX350, with a Georgia license plate reading CBV 6004. He may also be headed to Texas.

The U.S. Marshals Service further warns that the public should not approach Merritt, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone who spots Merritt is asked to call the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force at (770) 508-2500. Any and all other tip information may also be called in to the U.S. Marshals at 1 (877) Wanted-2 (1-877-926-8332) or emailed to: usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.

Next Up

Georgia Lawyer Convicted Of Fraud Murders Mother Before Going On Lam

“It’s shocking beyond description,” the brother of convicted killer Richard Merritt says of the case.

5 Disturbing & Bizarre Facts About Dee Dee Blanchard

Inside the murder of this allegedly abusive mom that brought Munchausen by proxy syndrome into the spotlight.

Missing Connecticut Mom Jennifer Dulos Officially Declared Dead As Trial Begins

Jennifer Dulos, a missing mother of five from New Canaan, Connecticut, was officially declared dead, and now her ex’s girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, is on trial in connection with her murder.

Idaho Man Murdered Partner After Learning She Consulted Lawyer About Separation

John Dalton admitted he “snapped” before shooting Tina Swor five times execution-style.

Husband Of Missing Massachusetts Woman Charged With Her Murder

Ana Walshe, a 39-year-old mother of three, went missing on New Year’s Day. Police later found evidence showing her husband lied and stalled, as well as a bloody knife in the family's basement.

The Mysterious Murder Of Syracuse Teen Remains Unsolved

While the nation was focused on The New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens playing in Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, Florida, a young woman in Syracuse, New York, met a violent end.

Kentucky Man Commits Quadruple Murder After Family Forces Him Into Hospital

‘It seemed like he was in some kind of zombie state or something,’ a family member says of the convicted killer’s mental health struggles.

Former Playboy Model Sentenced In The Killing Of Psychiatrist Found Dead In Her Trunk

Kelsey Turner was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison for killing 71-year-old Thomas Kirk Burchard, a psychiatrist she previously had a relationship with.

Man Filmed Crying After Locating Son’s Body 34 Years Ago Now Accused Of Murder

Justin Turner, 5, was found dead in 1989, two days after his father, Victor Lee Turner, and stepmother, Megan Turner, reported the boy missing.

Texas Father Of Four Turns Violent After Ex Moves On

“I could never imagine my dad turning into the monster he did,” says the daughter of Aldo Pacheco.