A dentist from St. Simons Island, Georgia, is facing serious charges after allegedly fatally shooting her boyfriend in a home in Gainesville, a suburb northeast of Atlanta. Suzanne Renee Mericle, 61, has been charged by the Hall County Sheriff’s Office with murder, tampering with evidence, aggravated assault against a spouse or family member, possession of a firearm during a crime, obstruction or resisting, driving under the influence, and a traffic-related offense.
Authorities responded to a residence on Bayridge Drive in Gainesville around 1:15 a.m. on March 8, where they found 68-year-old David Barron shot in the torso. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Mericle, who owns Mericle Dentistry in St. Simons Island, is accused of shooting Barron with a handgun. The couple lived together at the residence, according to the sheriff’s office.
Mericle’s dental practice in the affluent coastal town has received positive reviews for her friendly and professional demeanor. She is currently being held without bond in Hall County as the case continues to be investigated.
