WV - Logan Goodall, 2, brutally murdered, Dunbar, 6 Sept 2005

[mfmangel1]

Grandmother of child is attacked:

http://www.wvah.com/newsroom/shows/10mon.shtml#5

MELISSA EREN ATTACK

• [font=Courier New,Courier]AS A HIGH PROFILE CHILD ABUSE CASE GROWS EVEN HOTTER, TENSIONS BETWEEN THE VICTIM'S GRANDPARENTS ESCALATE.
  
  MELISSA EREN, THE GRANDMOTHER OF TWO YEAR OLD LOGAN GOODALL, CLAIMS SHE WAS ATTACKED BY A FRIEND OF DR. JOHN MERRIFIELD....
  
  THE FATHER OF THE MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING HER GRANDSON.
  
  KAREN WYNNE HAS THE EXCLUSIVE STORY.
  
  SOT 15:51:42-54 I took my cane and says 'you better get outta here!' He says 'I'll take that cane and hit you with it.' Instead he got right up to my chest and slapped me right on the face.
  
  MELISSA EREN SAYS IT HAPPENED SUNDAY, WHEN SHE AND HER FAMILY WERE AT THE DUNBAR GO-MART HANDING OUT FLIERS. THE ERENS ARE CAMPAIGNING AGAINST LETTING DOCTOR JOHN MERRIFIELD AND HIS WIFE DIANE PLEA BARGAIN IN COURT NEXT WEEK.
  
  THE COUPLE WAS RECENTLY INDICTED ON CHARGES OF FAILURE TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE.
  
  THEY ARE THE PARENTS OF MICHAEL MERRIFIELD, WHO IS ACCUSED OF ABUSING AND KILLING EREN'S GRANDSON, 2 YEAR OLD LOGAN GOODALL IN 2005.
  
  EREN SAYS THE MAN WHO HIT HER WAS WEARING A BULLETPROOF VEST, HAD A KNIFE, AND CLAIMED TO BE A GOOD FRIEND OF DOCTOR MERRIFIELD.
  
  EREN'S HUSBAND THEN FOLLOWED THE MAN TO THE OAKES APARTMENTS, WHERE THE DOCTOR LIVES. HE SAYS HE SAW DOCTOR MERRIFIELD HUGGING THE SUSPECT.
  
  SOT 16:00:42-52 Dunbar police say the man who was involved in the fight with Eren has identified himself as Ken Campbell. He's the groundskeeper at The Oakes Apartments, and says he never hit Eren.
  
  SOT 15:59:56-06 I personally spoke with Mr. Campbell on the phone. He adamantly denies any type of assault that took place involving hims with Mrs. Eren other than a verbal.
  
  [/font]

</I>More at link.
Transcript.

 

[mfmangel1]

Doctor pleads not guilty

by Cheryl Caswell
Daily Mail staff

http://www.dailymail.com/email_story.php?sid=2007020549

Dr. John Merrifield and his wife, Diane, both pleaded not guilty today to charges of neglect in connection with the death of 2-year-old Logan Goodall in September 2005.




The couple was indicted last month on the felony charge. The indictment says the doctor had treated Logan for wounds that stemmed from physical and sexual abuse and that neither he nor his wife reported the boy's suspicious injuries to the authorities.

The Merrifields are the parents of Michael Merrifield, who will go to trial May 7 in Putnam County on charges of first-degree murder.

Michael Merrifield was the boyfriend of Logan Goodall's mother at the time of the little boy's death. He is facing charges of first-degree murder, child neglect by a guardian or parent resulting in death, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and first-degree sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Logan's mother, Pepper Dawn Eren, was sentenced to one to 10 years in prison last year after she pleaded guilty to felony child neglect. Dr. Merrifield also pleaded not guilty today to two misdemeanor charges relating to his treatment of the boy's serious injuries.

More at link: http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007020549/Doctor-pleads-not-guilty/

 

[TGIRecovered]

Sounds to me like maybe the doctor could've been covering up for his own sins on his own sons----it's a fact that the vast majority of child molesters were molested as children themselves. Freakin' pervs.

I think you've hit the nail on the head, Julianne!

 

[mum33004]

I would love to slap the crap out of this piece of YOU KNOW WHAT!!! She or whatever it is does NOT deserve EVER to walk free along with the scum bag doctor & his piece of crap wife and who ever else was involved. I AM SO SICKENED BY THIS! I can't hold back the tears! I have a 3 year old son and GOD knows if anything ever happened I WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACTIONS!

Results for PEPPER EREN

Headline: "Pepper"
Orientation: Straight
Here For: Dating, Friends
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Location: DUNBAR, WEST VIRGINIA, US
Profile Updated: Jan 10, 2006 10:29 PM

[url="http://myspace-827.vo.llnwd.net/00419/72/89/419669827_m.jpg"]http://myspace-827.vo.llnwd.net/00419/72/89/419669827_m.jpg[/url]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=48251805

 

[mum33004]

I am half tempted to get on my daughters myspace site & post a nasty comment about this biotch...This case really bothers me. It looks as tho' this devils comcubine has no remorse whatsover. I HOPE THE HOLE LOT OF THE SHOVEL CRAP IN HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY!

Little Logan is an ANGEL IN HEAVEN WITH JESUS!

Results for PEPPER EREN

Headline: "Pepper"
Orientation: Straight
Here For: Dating, Friends
Gender: Female
Age: 28
Location: DUNBAR, WEST VIRGINIA, US
Profile Updated: Jan 10, 2006 10:29 PM

[url="http://myspace-827.vo.llnwd.net/00419/72/89/419669827_m.jpg"]http://myspace-827.vo.llnwd.net/00419/72/89/419669827_m.jpg[/url]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=48251805

 

[GreenEyedGirl]

Physician's Oath

At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession:

• I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
• I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
• I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; the health of my patient will be my first consideration;
• I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession; my colleagues will be my brothers;
• I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
• I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception, even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
• I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor.

from http://www.cirp.org/library/ethics/geneva/

I think someone needs their medical licenses taken away.

 

[givree]

Anybody know when the son goes on trial? and did the boys mother get a lesser sentence because she is going to testify for the state?

 

[mfmangel1]

DR. MERRIFIELD, WIFE DIANE PLEAD NOT GUILTY IN LOGAN GOODALL CASE
Accused Of Neglect In Death Of Toddler
Courtesy of Andrew Morrison

Not guilty.
Dr. John Merrifield and his wife, Diane, both pleaded not guilty Monday morning in Kanawha County court to charges of neglect in connection with the death of 2-year-old Logan Goodall in September 2005.

Goodall died at Putnam General Hospital after paramedics were called to a home in Hurricane rented by his mother, Pepper Eren, and her then live-in boyfriend, Michael Merrifield, John and Diane's son.

John and Diane Merrifield was indicted last month by the Kanawha County Grand Jury on the felony charge. The indictment accuses the physician of treating Logan for wounds that stemmed from physical and sexual abuse and that neither he nor his wife reported the boy's suspicious injuries to the authorities.

John Merrifield was named West Virginia Family Doctor of the Year in 2006.

Michael Merrifield is scheduled to go on trial May 7th in Putnam County Circuit Court on charges of first-degree murder.

He faces charges of first-degree murder, child neglect by a guardian or parent resulting in death, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and first-degree sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Eren, was sentenced to one to 10 years in prison last year after she pleaded guilty to felony child neglect. A parole board recently rejected her bid for freedom.

More at link: http://www.putnamlive.com/DrMerrifieldWifePleadNotGuilty.html


Michael Merrifield trial is scheduled to begin in May.

Dr. & Mrs. Merrifield have requested and were granted a delay until August.

Utterly ridiculous.

The mother began serving time almost immediately and has already been eligible for parole. Thankfully, she did not receive it. Even she stated she was not ready to return to society!

I AM ABSOLUTELY APPALLED THAT DR. MERRIFIELD WAS WEST VIRGINIA DOCTOR OF THE YEAR IN 2006!!!!

 

[Shadow205]

He continues to practice at Dunbar Medical Associates. At a ceremony where he was named doctor of the year by West Virginia Family Practitioners he talked about the toddler.
http://www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0701/070122-1.shtml

You have got to be kidding. It seems to me like his license would be suspended until after the trial. I sure as heck wouldn't be going to him.

 

[Shadow205]

May 23, 2007
The trial for the man accused of sexually assaulting and killing 2-year-old Logan Shane Goodall has been set for late September, which would be more than two years after the boy’s death.At a hearing Tuesday at the Putnam County Courthouse, Circuit Judge Ed Eagloski and defense lawyers for Michael Kent Merrifield agreed on Sept. 24 to start the trial.
Goodall was the son of Merrifield’s ex-girlfriend, Pepper Dawn Eren. The case has been repeatedly delayed because Merrifield has changed lawyers numerous times since he was arrested in September 2005.

<snip>
Merrifield is scheduled to appear in court again Aug. 17 for a status hearing.
His parents, John and Diane Merrifield, also face child neglect charges. John Merrifield, a doctor, is accused of failing to report evidence of child abuse.
http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/2007052221

I am trying to find something on when John & Dianne Merrifield will be tried but have not found anything yet.

 

[angelmom]

He continues to practice at Dunbar Medical Associates.

WHAT????

:banghead:

 

[Belinda]

To put it in a nutshell -

Michael Merrifield got life without mercy (is that LWOP?) for the murder of Logan.
Pepper Eren got 1-10 years for neglect.
Dr. John V. Merrifield got 1-5 years home confinement.
_____________________________________________

Michael Merrifield sentenced to life with no mercy for 1st degree murder; 10 years for child neglect resulting in death; 10-20 years for sexual abuse by parent or custodian - to be served concurrently

snip

Judge Charles King lets man whose negligence resulted in Logan's death serve one to five years on home confinement

Judge Charles King allowed outrageous courtroom fiasco to play out, including permitting former patients to clap for John Merrifield with standing ovation, as if Merrifield was being granted an award! Little Logan was forgotten as the drama played out, with Judge Charles King referring to burns inflicted on baby Logan by Dr. Merrifield's son as perhaps a 'rash'

http://tiptopwebsite.com/websites/index.php?username=westvirginiansagainstabuse

ETA: I'm sorry this information is not up to my usual standards. I've been working on updating and revamping my database all day. I probably should not look up any more cases until tomorrow. I will try to flesh this out a little bit then.

 

[Kymistry35]

So sad that there is no justice for little Logan. When did children become nothing in our society?!

 

[Belinda]

Little Logan's Killer Remains In Prison
By Mark Hallburn
Publisher
PutnamLIVE.com

Michael Kent Merrifield won't be getting out of state prison anytime soon. The convicted murderer of little Logan Shane Goodall, 2, was denied a new trial by Putnam Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers, Tuesday.

More at link:
http://www.putnamlive.com/StowersDeniesMerrifieldNewTrial.html

Note: The above link also contains numerous links to various stories about the case. Still trying to find out what happened to Diane Merrifield.

 

[Belinda]

Goodall's Estate Gets $775,000
By Mark Hallburn
Publisher
PutnamLIVE.com

Dr. John Merrifield has settled a civil suit filed by Logan Goodall's father over the toddler's 2005 death.

Former "Doctor of the Year" agreed to pay the child's estate $775,000.

More at link:
http://www.putnamlive.com/DrMerrifieldSettlesCivilSuit.html

I'm sorry, but where was dad while his son was being continuously abused?

 

[Belinda]

snip

What happened to Dr. John Merrifield, you ask? He was given a deal. He pleaded no contest to a felony charge of gross neglect and in return, his wife Diane Merrifield was set free. No charges were brought against her, although, she also knew what was going on with Logan. So what did HE get for his plea? Judge Charles King sentenced Dr. John Merrifield to one to five years of (are you ready?) HOME CONFINEMENT!!!

BBM

More at link:
http://pysih.com/2008/12/31/michael-merrifield/

 

[Belinda]

February 19, 2010
By Veronica Nett
Staff writer

WINFIELD, W.Va. -- A Putnam County judge reviewed a second request Friday for a retrial from Michael Merrifield, who was convicted in 2008 of killing and sexually abusing his girlfriend's 2-year-old-son.

Merrifield filed the motion on the grounds that he was not present when the original jury pool of about 100 people filled out a questionnaire to weed out potential bias, and he was not part of a telephone conversation with then Circuit Judge Ed Eagloski to put together that questionnaire.

snip

Circuit Judge Phillip Stowers did not make a decision Friday. He will present an opinion March 5.

"The question we are dealing with today is whether Mr. Merrifield has received a fair trial," Stowers said. "Because of that I want to take the most care and precautions."

Stowers denied a similar request for a retrial from Merrifield in July 2009.

Much more at link:
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/Putnam/201002190614?page=2&build=cache

I have not yet found the outcome of this appeal.

 

[Angel4u2Whisper2]

furious: I know me,Speechless but....:furious: I can't say what I feel right now but the icon's can:furious::Someone tell me that the Doctor of the year can't practice any longer ...Please!

 

[believe09]

Only after being convicted of a felony associated with this case.
http://www.wvbom.wv.gov/licenseDMDetail.asp?IndividualID=3692#D

If you follow the link you can see that he has had two malpractice cases that resulted in findings of guilt and payment; one in 1973 that triggered a payment of over ONE MILLION DOLLARS. Then the one for 775K referenced in this thread already.

I cant speak for you guys, but I would LOVE to know what a family/pediatric physician did that triggered that kind of payout in the 1970's. That is a lot of dough-and it must have been pretty egregious.

Dude was also licensed in TEXAS...BRB to see if that license was revoked as well...

 

[believe09]

Dont see that he has an active license anywhere else...