Missouri man accused of killing woman from Normal

Posted on April 21, 2020
Haley Marie Decker, 18, of Normal. (Photo courtesy Missingalert.com)

 

By Neil Doyle

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police and several other agencies arrested a man from Missouri who allegedly murdered Haley Decker, 18, of Normal.

James A. Merritt, 32, of Morehouse, Missouri was formally charged with first degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence, according to a news release Tuesday.  Merritt remains in custody at the Mississippi County Detention Center with no bond.

ISP said Decker was reported missing from Normal on March 4.  She was found dead March 26 in the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in rural Pulaski County.  ISP launched a homicide investigation April 7.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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