A teenager in St. Louis County will face adult charges in connection with a deadly stabbing involving a family member, according to authorities.
Teen Certified to Stand Trial as Adult
Dakota Merit, 16, was certified by a judge to be tried as an adult on Tuesday. She now faces:
- Second-degree murder
- Armed criminal action
The charges stem from a fatal incident that occurred in August 2025.
Details of the Fatal Stabbing
Police said officers responded around 4:30 p.m. on August 17, 2025, to a home on Carrington Lane in the Lemay area.
Inside, they found Derrick Merit, 39, suffering from life-threatening stab wounds. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Authorities confirmed the victim and the accused are related, though the exact relationship has not been disclosed.
Case Progression
Following the incident, a 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody and initially held in family court. With the latest ruling, the case will now move forward in adult court.
What Comes Next
The decision to try the teen as an adult means she could face significantly harsher penalties if convicted. The case remains ongoing as it proceeds through the legal system.