1. Redding man charged in triple homicide death penalty
2. Redding man facing capital punishment in triple homicide case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The district attorney’s office in Shasta County has indicated that the Redding man charged with killing three people in the area could potentially face the death penalty. Michael Todd Merryman, 33, is accused of the murders of two women and a man, with the bodies of the victims being discovered on separate occasions in April and May.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kafel stated that a decision on seeking the death penalty has not been finalized yet but remains a possibility in Merryman’s case. The victims’ identities have been revealed as Cynthia Duran, 41, and Louis Sanchez, 48, alongside 75-year-old Pamela Castleberry.
It has not been disclosed whether the victims had any connections to each other or if they were targeted randomly. Sheriff’s office detectives are continuing their investigations to uncover the motive behind the tragic deaths.
Despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s moratorium on executions in the state since 2019, criminal defendants can still receive the death penalty. Kafel, who has a long-standing career at the district attorney’s office, noted the rare occurrence of a triple homicide case in Shasta County.
Merryman faces multiple charges, including three counts of first-degree murder, arson, burglary, causing great bodily injury using a firearm, vehicle theft, and even stealing a dog. Due to health issues, Merryman missed his scheduled arraignment on May 24 and has been rescheduled to appear in court on a later date.
Discovery of the Victims in Bella Vista
The tragic events unfolded starting on April 30 when authorities were called to a residence on Riverview Drive in Lakehead to check on Pamela Castleberry. After discovering signs of a break-in and Castleberry missing, her body was later found inside her vehicle in a remote area of Bella Vista on May 1.
An autopsy confirmed Castleberry’s death as a homicide. Further investigations led to the grim discovery of Cynthia Duran and Louis Sanchez’s bodies on May 6, with both individuals also falling victim to homicide. Authorities confirmed that the bodies of Duran and Sanchez were not present at the initial crime scene.
Evidence linking Merryman to the murders was obtained by detectives, although the specifics of this evidence have not been disclosed to the public. Merryman was apprehended following a vehicle crash in the Oak Run area on May 13 and later taken into custody after being treated at a Redding hospital.
Judge Adam Ryan ordered Merryman to be held without bail, awaiting his next court appearance. The community awaits further developments in this tragic case as justice is sought for the victims and their families.
For any further information or tips related to this case, please contact reporter Damon Arthur at 530-338-8834 or via email at damon.arthur@redding.com. Stay updated on the latest news by following him on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @damonarthur_RS. Support local journalism by subscribing today!
.
– Redding man charged triple homicide death penalty eligible
– Redding man charged triple homicide death penalty.
