An Aragon man facing murder charges has been granted bond. Shay Alexander Merritt, age 31, has been incarcerated in the Polk County jail without bond since his arrest on September 18, 2011.
Merritt is charged with felony murder in connection with the fatal shooting incident that took the life of his wife and the mother of his children.
The shooting occurred just before midnight on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Merritt, a soldier who had served our country in Afghanistan, originally informed dispatchers that his wife had committed suicide.
Merritt's wife, Rita Ann Merritt, age 27, was pronounced dead on the scene from a gunshot wound to the head.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation along with the Aragon and Polk County police departments investigated. During the questioning, Merritt allegedly confessed to the murder of his wife.
A toddler and two children were in the home at the time of the shooting. The Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) took custody of the child until family members could be notified.
A Polk County Superior Court judge granted a $150,000 property bond. Merritt remains in custody at the time of this publication.
Related article: Aragon man charged with felony murder
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