Theodosia brothers’ feud leads to harsh words, threats and a discharged gun

A warrant without bond has been issued for Michael Shane Merriman, of Theodosia, in connection with a newly filed case in which he’s charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful use of weapon (exhibiting). 

According to the probable cause statement prepared by Ozark County Deputy Jeffrey Lane, the OCSD received a complaint of unlawful use of a weapon in the Theodosia area at 9:28 p.m. April 15. Donnie Merriman told the dispatch office that he’d located his brother, Michael Merriman, on a four-wheeler near the Turkey Creek crossing and had approached him to confront his brother about something he’d reportedly said about him. 

Donnie told the officer that when he stopped, he could see Michael digging around on the four-wheeler and pulled out a pistol, pointed it at his brother and said, “I’m going to shoot you.”

Donnie responded, “Get to shooting ‘cause I’m gonna have to whoop your [expletive],” the report says. Donnie said Michael kept saying he was going to kill Donnie and was waiving the gun in the air. Donnie said he then heard a gunshot coming from Michael, who was about 20 feet away from him at that point. 

Lane searched Michael Merriman’s name in his law enforcement software and found that he was a convicted felon in Missouri in a case of delivery of a controlled substance. He is currently on probation in the case. It is illegal for a convicted felon, or an active probationer or parolee, to possess a gun. 

Ozark County Times

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