Sherri Mendenhall, a 63-year-old woman from Yellow Springs, OH, tragically lost her life on January 15, 2017. She was born in Rome, NY, and lived most of her life in Huber Heights, OH. Sherri was a single parent who dedicated her life to her four sons and eight grandchildren. She was known for her loving nature and was passionate about causes such as breast cancer research and the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Sherri's death was part of a double-murder case that shook the community. She was killed alongside her neighbor, William "Skip" Brown, 44, in their neighboring apartments on property owned by the Brown family. The suspects in this case were brothers Dustin Merrick, 27, and Bret Merrick, 25. The Merrick brothers were arrested five days after the killings and charged with two counts of aggravated murder.
The investigation revealed that Dustin Merrick had worked for Skip Brown in his roofing business but quit the job in fall 2016. According to Bret Merrick's statement to investigators, Dustin suggested they go for a drive, bringing along several weapons. As they neared Yellow Springs, Bret learned that Dustin intended to rob Skip Brown. They parked behind the barn where the victims' apartments were located and climbed up to the second-floor entrance of Skip's apartment.
Sherri Mendenhall, who was not known to the Merrick brothers, encountered them while investigating the commotion and tried to run, but was shot by Dustin Merrick to silence her as a potential witness. The brothers initially pleaded not guilty but later changed their pleas as part of individual deals that allowed them to avoid the possibility of capital punishment. Dustin Merrick was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, while Bret Merrick received a 25-year sentence.
The case concluded with the brothers admitting guilt, but the motive behind the killings remains unclear. The community continues to remember Sherri Mendenhall for her kind and caring nature, and her family has found some solace in the justice served for her and Skip Brown.
