Tremonton investigators allege child's suicide was staged

Box Elder News Journal's Podcast · May 13, 2026 · 3m

A Tremonton couple accused in the death of their 11-year-old child was ordered held without bail this week after investigators alleged the father staged the scene to resemble a suicide and uncovered what court documents describe as years of abuse involving multiple children in the home. Brigham Young Merrell, 35, was booked May 6 into the Box Elder County Jail on first-degree felony charges of child abuse homicide and child torture. Melinda Marie Merrell, 36, was booked on a first-degree felony charge of child torture, according to probable cause statements filed in 1st District Court. Judge…