Suzanne Renee Mericle is facing both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit after allegedly shooting her longtime boyfriend, James David Barron, in a fatal domestic incident. The two sons of Barron have now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against her, seeking justice for their father’s untimely death.
According to court documents, Mericle, 61, got into an argument with Barron, 68, at their home in Gainesville, Georgia. During the dispute, Barron reportedly removed himself from the confrontation, retreating to an upstairs bedroom and locking the door behind him. However, instead of de-escalating, Mericle allegedly retrieved a firearm and fired at least one shot through the closed door, striking Barron in the torso.
Authorities arrived at the scene to find Barron unresponsive. Despite being transported to a nearby medical facility, he succumbed to his injuries. Reports indicate that he did not die immediately but endured several minutes of physical and emotional suffering before passing away.
Mericle, a dentist who owns and operates a local practice, has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. The criminal case against her remains ongoing, but the wrongful death suit filed by Barron’s sons adds another legal battle to the situation.
In their lawsuit, Barron’s family argues that he never posed a physical threat to Mericle and that her actions were either negligent or intentional. The claim states that she chose to escalate the situation instead of removing herself or seeking alternative means to resolve the conflict. The lawsuit seeks damages for the pain and suffering Barron endured before his death, as well as compensation for the impact his death has had on his family.
This case has garnered significant attention due to the tragic circumstances and the allegations of domestic violence. If convicted of the criminal charges, Mericle could face significant prison time. Meanwhile, the civil case seeks to hold her financially accountable for her alleged actions.
Barron’s family has requested privacy as they navigate the legal process and cope with their loss.
