TREMONTON, Utah — A Tremonton couple was arrested Wednesday in connection with the September 2025 death of their 11-year-old child after investigators discovered a pattern of ongoing physical abuse in the home.
Tremonton Garland Police Chief Dustin Cordova said Brigham Young Merrell, 35, was booked on charges of first-degree felony child abuse homicide and first-degree felony child torture. Melinda Merrell, 36, was booked on a charge of first-degree felony child torture.
Police began their investigation on Sept. 21, 2025, after officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at the couple’s residence. Despite life-saving efforts by police and EMS personnel at the scene, the child was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced dead.
Cordova said, following a months-long investigation in partnership with the Murray City Police Department and outside investigative experts, detectives found substantial evidence indicating the child’s death was not accidental. The multi-agency probe also revealed a history of physical abuse directed at the deceased 11-year-old as well as other children living in the household.
Authorities have referred the surviving children to child welfare agencies to ensure their safety and well-being. Cordova stated they are deliberately withholding the name of the deceased child out of respect for the victim’s dignity and to protect the privacy of the remaining children and family members connected to the case.
Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.