Melissa Merritt was a willing accomplice in the murders of her ex-husband and his mother, a prosecutor argued on the first day of the murder trial. The trial, which is happening more than a decade after the killings, centers around a bitter custody battle between Merritt and her ex-husband. Merritt has pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, while her common-law partner, Christopher Fattore, has already been convicted and is serving a prison sentence.
According to Crown attorney Brian McGuire, Merritt was not simply an accessory after the fact. Instead, she played an active role in helping and encouraging Fattore to commit the murders. The prosecution believes that Merritt’s marriage with her ex-husband ended in separation in 2005, leading to a custody dispute over their two children. Over time, the situation became more contentious, with Merritt eventually withholding access to the children.
In April 2009, the custody dispute took a dramatic turn when Bill Harrison, Merritt’s ex-husband’s father, passed away. Merritt then took the children and left Mississauga with Fattore. As a result, Bridget Harrison, Merritt’s ex-husband’s mother, was granted interim custody. However, tragically, Bridget was found dead in her home just over a year later in April 2010. The prosecution alleges that Fattore strangled Bridget to death.
Despite being interviewed by the police, Merritt and Fattore were not initially considered suspects in Bridget’s murder. It was only later, during an investigation into Caleb Harrison’s murder, that the police discovered evidence linking them to the crimes. Police found Fattore’s DNA on a pair of shoes, which also contained dog hair matching Harrison’s dog. Furthermore, Fattore’s DNA was found under Caleb’s fingernails.
Merritt and Fattore were eventually arrested in Nova Scotia in January 2014. The jury will hear intercepted conversations between the couple, including discussions about the DNA discovery. Prosecutors also have recordings of Fattore suggesting that he took the blame for the murders to protect Merritt. In one recording, Merritt expresses regret about talking to the police.
The trial continues, and the jury will weigh the evidence and statements provided by the prosecution and the defense. If convicted, Merritt could face significant consequences for her alleged involvement in the murders. The case serves as a grave reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from bitter custody battles and the lengths some individuals may go to in order to gain the upper hand.
