Feds Join Search For DeKalb Attorney Accused Of Killing Mother

ATLANTA -- U.S. Marshals have joined the search for a man accused of murdering his mother in Stone Mountain, Georgia, after allegedly removing an ankle monitor and failing to appear and surrender himself to authorities for a previous conviction in Cobb County. Richard V. Merritt, a disbarred attorney, was being monitored by law enforcement via an ankle monitor and was scheduled to surrender Feb. 1 after being sentenced to 30 years in jail in Cobb County, where he had been convicted of stealing money from clients and elder abuse.

On Feb. 2, Merritt's elderly mother was found dead, having been violently killed. Her vehicle was missing and Merritt’s vehicle was recovered at the scene.

Police said Merritt may be driving is a 2009 silver Lexus RX350, bearing a Georgia tag CBV 6004. He may have shaved his head or otherwise changed his appearance, and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Read more: Man Suspected Of Stabbing His Stone Mountain Mother To Death

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Image U.S. Marshals