On a quiet Friday morning, the serene flow of the Tennessee River beneath Whitesburg Bridge in Huntsville, Alabama, was shattered by a grim discovery. At approximately 9:30 a.m., a passerby reported a possible deceased person on the north side of the bridge along Highway 231/431. Huntsville Police Department officers arrived to find a body wrapped in a blanket near the guardrail, a sight that would soon unravel a tragic tale of violence. The Madison County Coroner, Dr. Tyler Berryhill, later confirmed the death as a homicide, marking a somber moment for the community. The victim, identified on Sunday as 39-year-old David Merrit of Arab, Alabama, had succumbed to a gunshot wound, leaving behind a grieving family and a city searching for answers.
The Huntsville Police Department swiftly launched an investigation, with its Major Crimes Unit taking the lead. By Sunday evening, authorities had identified and apprehended a suspect: 55-year-old Daniel Ray Shelton. Shelton was located in Cullman County by the Cullman Police Department, a testament to the collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies in the region. Following his transport to Huntsville’s Criminal Investigation Division, detectives interviewed Shelton, uncovering evidence that pointed to a violent altercation between him and Merrit. Authorities believe Shelton shot Merrit during this confrontation, though the precise location and timing of the incident remain under investigation. Adding to the gravity of the case, evidence suggests Shelton attempted to dispose of Merrit’s body in the Tennessee River, a chilling act that led to an additional charge of abuse of a corpse. Shelton was booked into the Madison County Jail, where he awaits further legal proceedings.
The investigation has drawn significant attention due to its location on the Whitesburg Bridge, a vital artery connecting Huntsville and surrounding areas. The bridge’s proximity to the Tennessee River and its position along a busy highway made the discovery particularly jarring for residents. The Huntsville Police Department has worked closely with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, as the bridge spans jurisdictional boundaries near Lacey’s Spring. This collaboration underscores the complexity of the case and the dedication of local law enforcement to seek justice for David Merrit and his loved ones.
David Merrit, described by those who knew him as a kind-hearted individual, leaves behind a community in mourning. Friends and family have expressed shock and sorrow, grappling with the sudden loss of a man whose life was cut short in such a violent manner. The details of his relationship with Shelton, if any, remain unclear, as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the fatal encounter. What is known is that the altercation ended in tragedy, with Merrit’s body left abandoned on the bridge, a stark reminder of the fragility of life.
This case also sheds light on Shelton’s prior encounters with law enforcement. Records indicate that Shelton was arrested in April in Guntersville on a fugitive warrant from Tennessee, where he faced charges of domestic assault. Released on recognizance four days later, Shelton’s past raises questions about the circumstances that led to this latest incident. The Huntsville Police Department has urged anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving this case.
As the investigation continues, the Huntsville community reflects on the broader implications of such a tragedy. The Whitesburg Bridge, typically a symbol of connection, has become a temporary emblem of loss. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full truth, ensuring that justice is served for David Merrit. For now, the city holds its breath, hoping for closure and healing in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
