A Utah couple has been accused of torturing their 11-year-old son to death, while a GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the child's death described it as an 'unexpected passing.' Brigham Merrell, 35, and Melinda Merrell, 36, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse homicide and child torture following a months-long investigation.
Details of the Incident
According to a Tremonton-Garland police affidavit, Brigham Merrell called 911 on September 21 to report seeing his 'minor child hanging by a coaxial cable.' However, investigators found inconsistencies in his accounts regarding who discovered the boy, the position of the body, and the events leading up to the death. Home surveillance footage contradicted his statements and showed him moving the child's body through the house and past emergency responders. He also changed clothes during treatment, which police believe was an attempt to conceal evidence.
GoFundMe Campaign
A GoFundMe campaign, created by user LaDaune Vonk, identified the child as Moroni and described his death as an 'unexpected passing.' The fundraiser stated that Moroni was 'prematurely taken from this earth' and asked for help covering funeral costs. It had raised about $7,400 towards a $9,000 goal. The campaign described Moroni as 'extremely kind and loving with his 5 siblings' who loved video games and outdoor activities.
Pattern of Abuse
Police say the abuse extended to all the children in the home. One child told investigators they witnessed the victim die after receiving a 'whooping' from Brigham Merrell. The affidavit details years-long allegations of child abuse and torture, including food restriction, beatings with belts and pans that caused bruising, and children being sent to stay in an outdoor dog run as punishment.
Melinda Merrell allegedly told investigators she checked her children for bruises days after whippings to 'adjust their methods,' switching from spoons to pans because spoons left marks. Both parents admitted to the abuse and stated they should have looked into Utah laws before moving there. Melinda specifically said she was not taught that leaving marks on her children was unacceptable.
Forensic Evidence
A forensic exam found injuries and ligature marks inconsistent with hanging, along with bruising on the child's back that may have occurred near the time of death. Both parents denied knowing the cause, though Brigham Merrell suggested it 'could be from a belt.' After the incident, items were discarded from the home, surfaces were repainted, and rooms were altered.
The other children from the home have been placed in the care of child welfare agencies. The couple remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
