A 61-year-old Hawaiian Paradise Park man accused of beating his mother to death Friday made the call to 911 that brought first responders to the 15th Avenue home the two shared, according to court documents filed by police.
The reporting party identified himself as Robert Merrill and told a dispatcher that his 82-year-old mother was dead inside the house, documents state.
Merrill, who is charged with second-degree murder, also allegedly told the dispatcher, “I killed her. I had a reason.”
The body of Betty Jean Merrill was supine on the floor of her bedroom and her face was beaten beyond recognition, according to documents.
A blood-stained object resembling a Native American stone ax was found on a kitchen counter in the home, according to documents.
Robert Merrill had fresh blood on his hands, blood spots in his hair and blood stains on the front of his shorts, documents state.
Police allege that while Merrill was being booked at the Hilo station, he said, “I already accepted it. Just take me where I need to go.”
Because of COVID-19 protocols in place at the Hilo courthouse, Merrill was not brought into the courtroom for his initial appearance Monday. Instead, he appeared via video conference from a basement cellblock at the courthouse.
At a reported 6-foot-6 in height and 280 pounds, Merrill’s face was higher than the level of the basement’s fixed camera, which showed his image from the neck down to his lower torso.
Merrill’s attorney, Brian De Lima, told Hilo District Judge Kanani Laubach that the bail study recommends court-supervised release for Merrill, but added, “We’re not seeking supervised release at this time.”
“We’re asking for a reasonable amount that would ensure the defendant’s (appearance),” De Lima said. “We suggest $100,000. It would be difficult for him to post, but at least that would be a reasonable amount.”
Deputy Prosecutor Joseph Lee conceded Merrill has no prior criminal record, but argued the seriousness of the offense warrants the $1 million bail originally set in the case.
“The injuries sustained here are some of the most vicious, atrocious and cruel that we have seen in a considerable time period,” Lee said. “The injuries show the danger the defendant poses to the public due to the violence.”
De Lima told the judge he understands the argument, but countered that his client “is presumed not guilty.”
“The bottom line is, if you’re going to set $1 million bail, it’s tantamount to no bail,” De Lima argued. “If they want to have no bail, they should file a … motion for no bail. Nothing has been filed with the court.”
Lee replied the “serious nature of the charges … poses a rebuttable presumption that the defendant is a serious risk to flee, and therefore, the bail in the amount as set is reasonable.”
Laubach maintained Merrill’s bail at $1 million and ordered him to return at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.
Second-degree murder normally carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole upon conviction. The complaint, however, noting Betty Merrill’s age, requests the judge consider extended terms of imprisonment, which could subject Merrill to a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
