Topline: She ran a successful dentistry in a wealthy area in Georgia, now she’s behind bars for murdering her paramour.
Published: March 18, 2025 7:30 am ET
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Suzanne Renee Mericle (via Hall County Sheriff's Office)
GAINESVILLE, GA — A Georgia dentist is accused of gunning down her boyfriend in their residence.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have charged Suzanne Renee Mericle, 61, with felony murder for the early Saturday morning, March 8, shooting death of James David Barron, 68.
Deputies responded to a home in the 4200 block of Bayridge Drive, in Gainsville, Georgia, at approximately 1:15 a.m., and located an unresponsive man in a bedroom with a gunshot wound in his torso.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Investigators identified the victim as James David Barron, of Gainesville.
According to the initial investigation, the suspect, Suzanne Mericle, shot Barron with a handgun.
The two were in a relationship and lived together at the residence.
Mericle was at home when the deputies arrived, officials said.
In addition to felony murder, investigators charged Mericle with aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (felonies).
She was arrested and transported to the Hall County Jail where she remained held without bond Saturday afternoon.
The case remains under investigation.
Mericle was the operator of Mericle Dentistry, based in Saint Simons Island, GA. The business’ website and a few social media pages have been shut down.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Georgia Dentist Jailed on Murder Charges for Gunning Down Boyfriend
She ran a successful dentistry in a wealthy area in Georgia, now she’s behind bars for murdering her paramour.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 18, 2025 7:30 am ET
Suzanne Renee Mericle (via Hall County Sheriff's Office)
GAINESVILLE, GA — A Georgia dentist is accused of gunning down her boyfriend in their residence.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have charged Suzanne Renee Mericle, 61, with felony murder for the early Saturday morning, March 8, shooting death of James David Barron, 68.
Deputies responded to a home in the 4200 block of Bayridge Drive, in Gainsville, Georgia, at approximately 1:15 a.m., and located an unresponsive man in a bedroom with a gunshot wound in his torso.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Investigators identified the victim as James David Barron, of Gainesville.
According to the initial investigation, the suspect, Suzanne Mericle, shot Barron with a handgun.
The two were in a relationship and lived together at the residence.
Mericle was at home when the deputies arrived, officials said.
In addition to felony murder, investigators charged Mericle with aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (felonies).
She was arrested and transported to the Hall County Jail where she remained held without bond Saturday afternoon.
The case remains under investigation.
Mericle was the operator of Mericle Dentistry, based in Saint Simons Island, GA. The business’ website and a few social media pages have been shut down.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Georgia Dentist Jailed on Murder Charges for Gunning Down Boyfriend
She ran a successful dentistry in a wealthy area in Georgia, now she’s behind bars for murdering her paramour.
By Jacob Charles
Published: March 18, 2025 7:30 am ET
Suzanne Renee Mericle (via Hall County Sheriff's Office)
GAINESVILLE, GA — A Georgia dentist is accused of gunning down her boyfriend in their residence.
According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have charged Suzanne Renee Mericle, 61, with felony murder for the early Saturday morning, March 8, shooting death of James David Barron, 68.
Deputies responded to a home in the 4200 block of Bayridge Drive, in Gainsville, Georgia, at approximately 1:15 a.m., and located an unresponsive man in a bedroom with a gunshot wound in his torso.
He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died.
Investigators identified the victim as James David Barron, of Gainesville.
According to the initial investigation, the suspect, Suzanne Mericle, shot Barron with a handgun.
The two were in a relationship and lived together at the residence.
Mericle was at home when the deputies arrived, officials said.
In addition to felony murder, investigators charged Mericle with aggravated assault under the Family Violence Act and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime (felonies).
She was arrested and transported to the Hall County Jail where she remained held without bond Saturday afternoon.
The case remains under investigation.
Mericle was the operator of Mericle Dentistry, based in Saint Simons Island, GA. The business’ website and a few social media pages have been shut down.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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