Officials identify former Harris County deputy investigators say was killed by son

SPRING, Texas – A former Harris County deputy who investigators said was shot to death Wednesday by his son at their home near Spring has been identified.

The shooting happened about 5:30 a.m. near the corner of Meadowhill Court and Meadowhill Drive. 

Investigators said the 22-year-old son of Brian Merritt, 53, said he shot his father in order to protect his mother, who was being assaulted by Merritt.

"The adult male we're assuming here was the son that contacted us and he did disclose that he had shot his father during a disturbance," Gonzalez said.

VIDEO: Sheriff Gonzalez talks about deadly shooting

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Merritt was found dead at the scene, and there may have been a history of disturbances at the home.

"We heard there may have been a history here at this location, maybe with this individual and this family, but to what extent we still don't know," Gonzalez said.

"This isn't the first time cops have been on the semi-circle right there," said one neighbor. "It's a normal occurrence."

Gonzalez said Merritt was a 30-year veteran of the department who retired last year.

"It's a tragic ending, if you will, after giving so many years of service," Gonzalez said.

Investigators said the evidence will be presented to the Harris County district attorney, who will decide whether charges will be filed.

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