News Summary
Daniel Ray Shelton, a 55-year-old man, has been charged with murder after the body of 39-year-old David Merrit was found near the Whitesburg Bridge. Authorities believe Shelton attempted to dispose of Merrit’s body after a violent altercation. The investigation involves collaborations between the Huntsville Police Department and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Shelton is also charged with abuse of a corpse and has a prior arrest history. Authorities are seeking further information from the community as the investigation continues.
Huntsville – A 55-year-old man, Daniel Ray Shelton, has been charged with murder following the discovery of a body near the Whitesburg Bridge along Highway 231/431. The body was located by authorities on Friday morning around 9:30 a.m., and the victim has been identified as 39-year-old David Merrit from Arab. Preliminary findings revealed that Merrit died from a gunshot wound.
Evidence collected during the investigation suggests that Shelton attempted to dispose of Merrit’s body in the Tennessee River after a violent altercation that led to the shooting. The Huntsville Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit collaborated with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office throughout the investigation.
On Saturday, a search warrant was executed by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team at a property on Seagrove Road, which was linked to the investigation. However, Shelton was not present at the time of the search. Shortly thereafter, he was located by the Cullman Police Department, who brought him in for questioning at the Huntsville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Following the interview, Shelton was arrested and subsequently booked into the Madison County Jail.
In addition to the murder charge, Shelton is facing charges of abuse of a corpse. His recent legal history includes a prior arrest on April 10 in Guntersville for a fugitive warrant out of Tennessee related to domestic assault. Shelton was released on recognizance only four days after this earlier arrest, raising concerns about his prior behavior.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Merrit’s death is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone who may have information related to the case to reach out to the Huntsville Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit.
This incident sheds light on the complexities surrounding violent crime and the subsequent investigations that seek to bring justice to victims and their families. The collaboration between local law enforcement agencies underscores the necessity of coordinated efforts in addressing such serious crimes in the community.
The Huntsville community remains in shock over the incident, reflecting on the impacts of violence and the processes involved in ensuring public safety. As the investigation continues, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the authorities.
In conclusion, the case stands as a tragic reminder of the potential for violence and the importance of community engagement in preventing such occurrences. The ongoing cooperation between law enforcement and the public will play a crucial role in navigating the aftermath of this incident.
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Additional Resources
- WHNT: HEMSI One Hit by Car Killed in Huntsville
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- WAFF: Huntsville Murder Case Moves Closer to Going to Trial
- Google Search: Huntsville Crime News
- Rocket City Now: One Dead After Shooting at Belmont Hill Apartments
- Google Scholar: Huntsville Murder Case
- WAFF: Murder Case Against Huntsville Man Dismissed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville Alabama
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
