Deroy Merritt

Deadly force

Merritt and Alfred Viel, 20, tried to rob Santos Melendez and his father, Marcial Melendez. Officer Eureka Gracia pulled up, and Santos motioned to her that they had been robbed with a gun. Gracia ordered the men out of the van. Viel and Merritt got out and walked toward her. Police said Merritt continued to walk toward Gracia, his hands in the front pockets of his dark-colored sweatshirt. Garcia, believing that he was trying to reach for his firearm, shot and killed Merritt. Viel was charged with murder in Merritt's death because he committed a robbery that led to a death. The result of Viel's trial was not reported.