Merritt v. State

Summary

The court affirmed Merritt’s convictions for malice murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony. It held that the circumstantial evidence, including Merritt’s presence with the victim, flight, disposal of his phones, and use of a false identity, was sufficient, and that none of his ineffective-assistance claims established deficient performance. The court further held that his shackling and Brady claims were unpreserved or waived, leaving no errors to consider cumulatively.