Attorney Accused Of Killing His Mom Caught After 8-Month Manhunt

MARIETTA, GA — A Cobb County attorney accused of killing his mother was apprehended Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. According to the Cobb County District Attorney's office, Richard V. Merritt was convicted in January of theft and elder-exploitation charges in Cobb, and was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison plus 15 more years on probation, with the condition that he turn himself in on Feb. 1.

Instead of turning himself in, Merritt fled, leading to an eight-month international manhunt. Because Merritt fled, he now faces serving his full 30 years in jail and exploitation charges.

Merritt also has been formally charged with the murder of his mother, Shirley, in DeKalb County. Shirley Merritt was found dead the day after her son fled.

Merritt was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a Tennessee thrift store.