St. Louis County Police Investigating Fatal Stabbing on Carrington Lane; 15-Year-Old Suspect in Custody
St. Louis County, MO — Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating a homicide that occurred Sunday evening in the 200 block of Carrington Lane, leaving a 39-year-old man dead and a 15-year-old facing serious charges.
Incident Details
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at approximately 4:28 p.m., officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service reporting a stabbing on Carrington Lane. When police arrived, they located an adult male suffering from life-threatening stab wounds.
The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as Derrick Merit, 39, a resident of the same block where the incident occurred.
Juvenile Suspect Arrested
Investigators confirmed that a 15-year-old suspect was taken into custody in connection with the stabbing. The juvenile is currently being held by St. Louis County Family Court on charges of Murder in the Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action.
Due to the suspect’s age, no further identifying details have been released at this time.
Ongoing Investigation
The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is leading the investigation, working to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation. Detectives are conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and speaking with potential witnesses as they piece together what transpired on Carrington Lane that afternoon.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether there was a prior relationship between Merit and the juvenile suspect, nor have they commented on a possible motive.
Community Impact
The incident has rattled the quiet residential neighborhood in South County, where violent crimes of this nature are not common. Residents expressed shock at both the loss of life and the involvement of someone so young in such a serious crime.
The St. Louis County Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the case to contact detectives with the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons or to reach out anonymously through CrimeStoppers.
Looking Forward
As the legal process begins, the case highlights the ongoing challenges communities face when violent crime intersects with youth involvement. The tragic death of Derrick Merit, paired with the arrest of a teenager facing severe charges, has underscored the importance of community support systems, youth outreach, and violence prevention programs in the St. Louis region.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be released by the St. Louis County Police Department as new information becomes available.
