Northview High Graduate Shot And Killed In Jackson, Alabama

December 6, 2020

A Northview High School graduate was shot and killed in Jackson, Alabama, and his college roommate is charged with his death.

Daniel Lamar Merit, age 20 of Century, was in a vehicle with Gordon Marks, 20, Friday night in the area of the McDonald’s in Jackson when there was some sort of gun play, according to Jackson Police.  Merit was killed when the gun went off. Authorities said alcohol was believed to be involved in the incident.

Marks, who owned the gun, was arrested and charged of manslaughter and possession of a weapon without a permit. He was booked into the Clarke County (AL) Jail.

Police described Marks and Merit as college roommates on break; Marks is from Jackson.

Merit was a 2019 graduate of Northview High School where he was a multi-sport athlete. Merit played football, basketball, advanced to state in track and placed in regional weightlifting for the Chiefs.


Pictured: Daniel Lamar Merit as he graduated from Northview High School in 2019. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

16 Responses to “Northview High Graduate Shot And Killed In Jackson, Alabama”

  1. Sarina Broughton on February 8th, 2021 5:45 pm

    My nephew has Always been a sweet heart full of joy and ambition he wanted to make something of his life he called me to let me know he was leaving college and applying for the Air Force he wanted to know what I thought. I told him I’m so proud of you it’s what you want to do I’m going to continue to support you. We talked for 2 hours not knowing what happened to him has been and still is a nightmare. Kolby was let go on a 20,000 bond free to enjoy his free to walk around free to do whatever he wants with a manslaughter charge and having a weapon without permit and took my baby away from us.But he free with no record of ever being arrested. My heart aches EVERY DAY where is the JUSTICE IN THIS. I Miss DANIEL Every moment of the day I’m so tempted to call a number I know he won’t answer Lord help out Family

  2. madison on December 17th, 2020 1:34 pm

    I am lost of words, I still can´t believe he is gone. Daniel was so sweet and kind to everyone he was around, he didn´t care if you were a stranger. His smile was so beautiful and contagious and he lit up the room everytime he was present. I am gonna miss him so much and I don´t understand why God took you so young but I am not gonna question the man up above. I love and miss you so much Dan and I wish you were still here with us. Gone but not forgotten, im gonna see you one day.

  3. Anita McCreary on December 15th, 2020 1:10 pm

    I just learned of this today! I am in total disbelief. Daniel was in my Sunday School Class and was a fine young man. I am so sadden and heartbroken by this news. My prayers for his family.

  4. Crystal on December 11th, 2020 5:44 am

    I Miss You so much it’s so hard to believe it but i will be strong for you. Rest in Heaven beautiful soul.

  5. bota on December 9th, 2020 2:35 am

    r.p.h. he is good man we all gonna miss him gone not forgotten my pryers goes out to the family and friends

  6. Zachary Prosser on December 8th, 2020 3:54 pm

    I wasn’t close to him but Daniel was a cool upbeat classmate. Why do good people have to die?

  7. Douglas Godwin on December 7th, 2020 3:59 pm

    I was certainly glad that I was able to get to know Daniel during my time coach at Northview. Daniel was a hard worker and a great student. He was always smiling, laughing, and joking around with his teammates and classmates. When I heard the news, I could not believe it. My prayers go out to the family during this tragic time. He will truly be missed by all that knew him.

  8. mnon on December 7th, 2020 3:48 pm

    So sad, such a pointless loss of life… So much promise in this young man. I never knew him, but from his accolades and that great smile, you know he had a great future ahead.

    Praying for the family, God bless you and may He give you comfort. <3

  9. classmate on December 7th, 2020 12:00 pm

    I knew Dan he was nice and mostly did not do anything. He worked and hanged with friends and It is weird because I talked and saw him wednesday and thursday. I was crying wishing it was fake like why him,why Dan damn man then he was only 20 and he had a life ahead of him.

  10. Rasheed Jackson on December 6th, 2020 9:27 pm

    Prayers to the family.

  11. Friend. on December 6th, 2020 7:03 pm

    Although I never met Daniel I felt like I knew him somehow through his sister. God bless this family. May God keep this family safe and help them get through this.

  12. Susan Barnes on December 6th, 2020 6:09 pm

    I’m so sorry for this precious family may God be with y’all and wrap his precious sweet arms around yall

  13. Christian on December 6th, 2020 11:57 am

    Prayers. May God be with this family.

  14. Toddzila on December 6th, 2020 9:58 am

    Rest In Peace, young man. You seemed to headed for greatness.

  15. Classmate! on December 6th, 2020 3:21 am

    When I first heard the news, I just knew that it wasn’t true! Everybody that knew Dan knew that he was a good young man and had a smile that was contagious. You will truly be missed, everybody felt this one!

  16. JP on December 6th, 2020 12:46 am

    May God keep you young fella…extremely bad news…he was a good kid and friend of my son…He will be missed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News