Monty Merkley

Deadly force

Merkley was killed on the sidewalk in front of his home. Police said they were at the home checking on Merkley after his brother in Virginia called authorities to report Merkley was suicidal. Police said that when they arrived at the house, the man walked out his front door and pointed a handgun at officers. Officers yelled at Merkley to drop his weapon as they took cover, but he alternated between pointing the gun at himself and pointing it at police. After about three minutes, police felt threatened and shot and killed Merkley.