People and agencies involved in the Merrill / Colyer murders investigation.
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RICK MERRILL and DORI COLYER
- Victims of a double homicide by arson in Brooksville Florida.
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THE SUSPECTS
- Brooksville Police Department announce four suspects in the murders at a July 31, 1981 press conference.
- Brooksville Police Department state not all of the suspects were involved in the igniting of the vehicle.
- "They aren't related as family members, but they are related as to possible motive," Detective Ron Johnson
- Three suspects leave the Brooksville area shortly after the murders.
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OFFICER RAY SCHUMACHER
- Brooksville police officer, first unit on the scene.
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CHIEF RON NOVY
- Chief of Police for the Brooksville Police Department at the time of the murders.
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DETECTIVE BOB JOHNSON
- Lead investigator into the murders of Rick and Dori.
- Chief of Police for Brooksville in April 1982 to September 1983.
- Developed four suspects in the murders.
- He declined comment when asked by the press about Hernando County prosecutors assessment that there was insufficient evidence to make arrests in the case.
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JAMES MERRILL
- Rick Merrill’s father.
- Gave Rick a gold necklace the day prior to his murder.
- Identifies the necklace recovered at the crime scene.
- Owner of the Ark Restaurant. Rick managed the establishment.
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JIMMY BROWN
- Assistant States Attorney for Hernando County.
- Stated to the press that's Dori Colyer’s body was too badly burned for dental identification, therefore blood type and jewelry would be used for identification.
- “There’s not enough yet to take it to a Grand Jury for indictment.” (Tampa Tribune, 12/16/1981)
- Lead investigator and Brooksville Chief of Police Bob Johnson declines to comment on the prosecutor's assessment.
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MARK MERRILL
- Brother of Rick Merrill, prior owner of the El Camino that the victims were murdered in.
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THE BLUE RIVER BAND
- The house band at The Hilltop on the night of Rick and Dori's murders.
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BELINDA ARNEY
- Co-owner of Fat Boys Restaurant in Brooksville.
- Dori Colyer’s employer.
- Stated to the press that Dori was a well liked, excellent employee.
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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
- Investigators with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement process the crime scene, recovering several pieces of evidence.
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FORENSIC DENTIST
- Provides positive ID of Rick Merrill through dental records.
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FAT BOYS EMPLOYEES
- Asked by law enforcement to identify jewelry found on Dori's body.
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FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
- Investigator tests to determine if flammable liquid was used as an accelerant in the vehicle fire.
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TAMPA REGIONAL CRIME LAB
- Runs tests to determine if flammable liquid was used as an accelerant in the vehicle fire.
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NEILS BERNSTEIN
- Director of the Tampa Regional Crime Lab.
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DADE COUNTY TOXICOLOGY LAB
- Analyzes blood samples from the victims.
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BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS
- Chief of Police Novy tells the press that an investigator with expertise in car bombs examined the vehicle.
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DR. WILLIAM WINTERS
- Performed autopsies of the victims at Lykes Memorial Hospital.
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TWO MECHANICS
- Two auto mechanics assisted Brooksville Police in determining the cause of the vehicle fire.
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PHIL BRANTLEY
- Owner of The Hilltop Lounge in Brooksville.
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CHIEF TIM VITT
- Brooksville Chief of Police, September 1983 to August 1984.
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CHIEF WILLIAM BEGG
- Brooksville Police Chief for 18 days in January 1985.
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CHIEF ED TINCHER
- Brooksville Police Chief November 1985 - March 2007.
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CHIEF FRANK ROSS
- Brooksville interim Police Chief March 2007 - September 2007.
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CHIEF GEORGE TURNER
- Brooksville Police Chief September 2007 - March 2018.
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CHIEF TRACY SCHOFIELD
- Brooksville interim Police Chief March - May 2018.
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CHIEF PAUL SIRECI
- Brooksville interim Police Chief May, 2018.
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DETECTIVE GEORGE LOYDGREN
- Cold case investigator for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. Inherited the case in 2018 when the Brooksville Police Department ceased operations.
GOT A TIP?
We want to hear from you. You can submit information on this double murder in a number of ways:
We want to hear from you. You can submit information on this double murder in a number of ways:
- Email Cold Case Detective George Loydgren at the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.
- Submit a tip to the Hernando County Crime Stoppers - it may qualify for a CASH REWARD.
- Call the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352-754-6830 or toll free at 1-877-282-5727.
- Leave an anonymous tip at 1-866-990-TIPS or 1-877-282-5727.