A dentist in Georgia arrested in March for allegedly shooting her partner to death in a bedroom at their shared home has responded to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by the man’s family, according to a story published on April 22 by First Coast News.
Dr. Suzanne Renee Mericle. Image courtesy of the Hall County Sheriff's Office.
Dr. Suzanne Renee Mericle, who was charged in March with felony murder for allegedly shooting James Barron at their home in Gainesville, GA, invoked her Fifth Amendment right to protect herself from self-incrimination to most of the claims in the lawsuit filed by Barron’s two sons.
In March, Barron’s sons filed a suit against Mericle, who was in a relationship with Barron. The suit claims that Mericle argued with their father on March 8 at their home. Then, Barron locked himself in a bedroom, and Mericle allegedly got a gun and shot Barron through the bedroom door, ultimately killing him, according to the sons' lawsuit. Barron’s children accuse Mericle, the owner of Mericle Dentistry in St. Simons Island, GA, of being under the influence at the time of the shooting.
In the answer to the lawsuit, Mericle’s attorney filed a motion for a protective order, as well as a motion to stay the civil case until her criminal case is resolved, according to the story.
Barron’s sons, who have not been identified, are seeking damages, including their father's lost wages, funeral expenses, and attorney fees, according to the stories.
Currently, Mericle, who has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and tampering with evidence, remains in jail awaiting arraignment.
