David Merritt Obituary, Death; – New information regarding a body discovered on the Whitesburg Bridge last month has emerged from court documents acquired by WAFF 48 News.
In these court documents, the accused, Daniel Shelton, confessed to shooting 39-year-old David Merritt. Merritt’s remains were located on May 31 by a motorist who noticed the body wrapped in a blood-stained quilt with a trash bag covering his head along the Whitesburg Bridge in Madison County.
While officers were reaching out to the deceased’s family, particular details about the suspect were disclosed. It was revealed that Shelton and Merritt resided together at the time of the incident. A search warrant was executed. During the search, blood spatter was discovered on the walls and carpet of a back bedroom. Additionally, a bloody cell phone charging cord and a damaged lamp were found.
The garbage bags discovered bore the same serial number as the one found on the victim’s head.
Shelton’s estranged spouse was interviewed and informed investigators about a confrontation between him and Merritt. She also mentioned that she laundered Shelton’s clothes at his request.
Shelton was apprehended during a traffic stop after he failed to appear at the Arab Police Department, despite claiming he wished to surrender.
According to the records, Shelton stated to officers that Merritt had thrown the lamp at him, and when he turned away, Shelton seized the victim’s firearm and shot him in the back of the head.
Shelton informed investigators that he disposed of Merritt’s phone, wallet, and ID in a body of water before abandoning his body by the bridge.
Shelton is set to face prosecution in Marshall County. He was initially charged with Murder and Abuse of a Corpse in Madison County, but the district attorney opted not to pursue charges, citing a lack of jurisdiction.
On June 6, Shelton was taken from Huntsville and transported to the Marshall County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
