News Summary
A man has been arrested for the murder of 39-year-old David Merrit, whose body was discovered wrapped in a blanket on Whitesburg Bridge. Investigators believe that 55-year-old Daniel Ray Shelton shot Merrit after an altercation and attempted to dispose of the body. Shelton has been booked on charges of murder and abuse of a corpse, while the investigation continues with cooperation from local law enforcement agencies.
Huntsville Man Arrested for Murder after Body Found on Whitesburg Bridge
Huntsville, Alabama – A man has been arrested for murder following the discovery of a body wrapped in a blanket on the Whitesburg Bridge along U.S. 231/431. The victim, identified as 39-year-old David Merrit from Arab, was found by investigators around 9:30 a.m. on Friday on the north side of the bridge. Preliminary findings from the Madison County Coroner, Tyler Berryhill, indicate that Merrit died from a gunshot wound.
The suspect in this shooting, identified as 55-year-old Daniel Ray Shelton, was apprehended after an altercation between him and Merrit is believed to have led to the latter’s death. Evidence suggests that Shelton shot Merrit and attempted to dispose of the body in the nearby Tennessee River.
Details of the Investigation
Investigators responded to the scene after reports of a possible body were made. Upon arrival, they discovered Merrit’s body near the guardrail of the bridge, prompting a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill also noted that further details would be released as findings continue to come in.
Prior to his arrest, Shelton was located by Cullman police in Cullman County on the same day Merrit’s body was found. Following his discovery, Shelton was transported to the Huntsville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division for questioning. After an interview with detectives from the Major Crimes Unit, he was subsequently arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail on charges of murder and abuse of a corpse.
Ongoing Investigation and Collaboration
The investigation is a collaborative effort involving Huntsville’s Major Crimes Unit and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. As this case unfolds, law enforcement officials have confirmed that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
According to police, this incident is part of ongoing investigations led by various law enforcement agencies in the area. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact details of the altercation between Shelton and Merrit but have indicated that they are working diligently to uncover the truth.
Background Context
This incident raises concerns over violence within communities and the safety of residents. Huntsville, while generally a peaceful city, is not immune to crime, and occurrences such as this remind the public of the importance of public safety and vigilant community awareness.
The Huntsville Police Department urges anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward to aid in the investigation. As updates are expected in the coming days, the community remains in shock over the tragic events that have unfolded.
As of now, law enforcement continues to gather evidence and conduct interviews to fully understand the circumstances leading to this violent crime. They emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge that could assist in building a clearer picture of the events that transpired.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Body Found on Whitesburg Bridge Ruled Homicide
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- WHNT: Man’s Death Under Investigation Following Huntsville Shooting
- Google Search: Huntsville murder investigation
- WAFF: Evidence Thrown Out in Huntsville Capital Murder Trial
- Google Scholar: Huntsville murder trial
- WHNT: Toney Man Convicted of Capital Murder in Wife’s Shooting Death
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WAFF: Ex-Huntsville Cop Accused in Relationship with Murder Suspect
- Google News: Huntsville violence public safety
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.
