Peggy Merimon,61[BODY ID'D 5/12/10]Louetta Harrelson,51,Lubbock,TX 8/09/06[Body Found

[LadyNTexas]

This thread seems to have disappeared. We're coming up on the 2nd anniversary of their disappearance. Prayers still that Peggy will be found and brought home, and that the suspect will be arrested and justice served for Kay, Peggy and their families.

The original thread was 15 pages long if I remember correctly. I hate that it's lost. So much information there. I'm enclosing a link to the "old" Lubbock forum's thread on this case. I keep thinking the link will eventually quit working also since they have a completely new board there. For now though it's still a working link and you can reacquaint yourself with this case.

I still maintain that Lubbock has a serial killer in regards to this case and other unsolved womens murders.

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

[LadyNTexas]

Forgot to put in the link to the old LAJ thread:

http://forums.lubbockonline.com/cgi-...c;f=2;t=000566

I am so glad to see you here… I had been following the case on the other board and was very disappointed when I could not find it again. I hope the others find it as well... Is there any local coverage? I do not find much anymore.

[Cury-us Coyote]

Suit Identifies Suspect In Merimon & Harrelson Case
(includes video)
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp...nav=menu69_2_9

Thanks for reposting this thread Lady. There is a larger story in today's Avalanche-Journal, the Lubbock paper, but it is not all on line yet. I hope this helps the families get closure.
I actually copied most of the posts here before the boards went down at the end of last year, but I guess reposting all that would be a huge chore.

The story has been posted, I just looked in the wrong place. Maybe this will bring out the tons of circumstantial evidence the police have. Families file wrongful death suit
By Robin Pyle | Avalanche-Journal
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Story last updated at 8/5/2008 - 2:19 am

Days before the two-year anniversary of their disappearance, the families of two Lubbock women have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man they believe is responsible.

The families of Louetta Kay Harrelson and Peggy Merimon say Mickey Patterson lured the women from the Lubbock State School on Aug. 9, 2006, killed them and hid their bodies, according to court documents filed Monday.

Harrelson's body was found 11 days later in a ditch just southwest of Shallowater. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Merimon remains missing.

The lawsuit is a civil case and does not carry the penalties, or the same standards of proof, as a criminal case.

Investigators identified a "person of interest" shortly after the women disappeared, but he has never been charged or named in public records. Police would not say if they still have a person of interest in the case.

But family members have remained adamant in their belief that Patterson is the man responsible for their loved ones' fate.

Natosha Davis, Merimon's daughter, said the families decided to file the suit because the statute of limitations on wrongful death will expire after two years, which is Saturday. "We waited until the last possible minute that we could," she said.

Davis referred comment about the lawsuit to the families' attorney, Don Graf. He could not be reached Monday.

The lawsuit seeks damages for the severe emotional distress and physical pain of Harrelson and Merimon as well as the pain and suffering of their families, according to court documents. It further seeks to recover punitive damages from Patterson.

Matt Powell, Lubbock County's district attorney, said he spoke with Graf, who was concerned the lawsuit might hurt a criminal investigation. It won't, Powell said.

"It doesn't change a thing," Powell said. "We're not doing anything because we haven't been presented a case yet.

"I'm hoping this will rattle some cages, or put some stuff on the forefront, if someone might know something. I think this is the first time (Patterson's) name has been made public."

Lubbock Police Capt. Greg Stevens said police are not prepared to file criminal charges in the case. In criminal cases, prosecutors have to prove a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil cases demand a lower burden of proof.

"The only thing we can say about it is simply the criminal case is not there yet - and emphasis on yet," Stevens said.

Police identified a person of interest - at the time an employee of the Lubbock State School - from a sketch of a man who witnesses say was with Harrelson and Merimon shortly before they disappeared.

The women were last seen leaving the state school around noon with a man nearly two years ago.

About a week after the disappearances, police questioned the person of interest and searched his vehicle and residence in West Lubbock.

There were inconsistencies in his story. He told police he left work at 12:30 on Aug. 9 because he was sick. But video surveillance at his mobile home park show him driving in with at least one other person at 12:03 p.m. that day.

Police took several items from his vehicle and residence for testing but were not able to connect him with Harrelson or Merimon.

Police said they are still actively investigating the case, and they have been following up on new leads within the past few months.

[LadyNTexas]

I am thrilled the families have taken this action! This could very well be what brings this case to closure. The newspaper and TV coverage have both mentioned the increased reward and NOW Mickey Patterson's name is definitely out in the open. I hope and pray this is what it takes to bring that needed evidence forward that will result in his arrest and conviction.

Justice for both familes and Peggy brought home!

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

I'm told that it does. Or at least that their attny. will have access.

[starling]

Originally posted by Cury-us Coyote [*]Suit Identifies Suspect In Merimon & Harrelson Case
(includes video)
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp...nav=menu69_2_9 [/*]

this is great news
~S

[LadyNTexas]

LOVE the new report on KCBD...they're helping put the pressure on Mickey Patterson!!

http://www.kcbd.com/global/story.asp?s=8794773

8/5/08
Who is the Person of Interest in the Two Year Old Investigation

The families of both Peggy Merimon and Kay Harrelson are suing Mickey Patterson claiming he lured them both away from their job at the Lubbock State School, held them against their will and eventually killed them. Kay Harrelson's body was found a few days after the women disappeared on August 9th, 2006. Peggy Merimon is still missing.

The man who has been searching for Peggy since the beginning is speaking to NewsChannel 11 about these new developments.

Gary Pringle, who has worked in law enforcement, has volunteered and led many searches for Peggy Merimon. He has done extensive research into the Merimon and Harrelson case. He believes Mickey Patterson is responsible for both women's deaths.

"An innocent man would have come forward and taken a polygraph test when I offered to pay for it. We didn't hear one word from Mickey Patterson," said Pringle.

Lubbock Police have never named him as a suspect in this case, but we have learned through sources that Patterson was questioned in the case and released. A sketch was later released as the person of interest. Witnesses have said the sketch does look like Patterson today. Pringle says he hopes to find Merimon's body to bring closure to the family.

"If you are around them you see the suffering they are going through and it's intense and it's real. Her husband goes to bed every night not knowing where his wife of 23-years is and that's got to be devastating," said Pringle.

But who is Mickey Patterson? We know he is 58-years-old and still lives in Lubbock.

We've also confirmed that Patterson was an employee of the Lubbock State School from 1989 to 2007.

He worked with Merimon and Harrelson at the time of their disappearance. He was fired in August of 2007, after being on administrative leave for almost a year.

"It is the most difficult case I've ever had," said Pringle.

NewsChannel 11 dug up a restraining order that Patterson's second wife filed against him in 2006 before the women's disappearance. It says that he has committed family violence against his wife or members of his family and that family violence is likely to occur in the future.

"He is a good at beating up women, but a coward when it comes to men," said Pringle.

If you know anything that can help investigators crack this case, you're asked to call Crime Line at (806) 741-1000.

NewsChannel 11 has been unsuccessful in contacting Mickey Patterson, but we do want to give him a chance to tell his side of the story. If you know Patterson, we welcome a phone call here at NewsChannel 11.

[starling]

http://www.kcbd.com/global/story.asp?s=8794773
Watch the video....we'll see who has the power now...can't hide...gotta show up to face the music Mr Mickey Patterson ... national attention...I hope Nancy & Greta features him & I hope he goes absolutely CRAZY

JMO,MOO,IMO... go get that justice, families!

I thought he could be subpoenaed to testify. I heard he hasn't been served yet because he is in Oregon, possibly visiting one of his children.

[LadyNTexas]

In my opinion, Mickey Patterson is purposely out of state. He knows exactly what tomorrow is....the 2nd anniversary of the abduction and murders. I also think he knows the statue of limitations on civil suits and probably knew this was coming. It infuriates me even more so with the Lubbock LE though. How many times have we all read in their statements about the POI even after they started referring to him as Suspect...that they had him under surveilance 24/7. They'd better know exactly what address he's at in Oregon!! Also someone should alert the Oregon authorities that a murderer of women is in their state.

In my opinion if LE had kept the pressure on we'd have a break in this case by now. I also feel from what I've read on evidence they have that they should have ALREADY have charged him with Kay's murder.

I won't be able to be online tomorrow so I wanted to come online to night and pay my respect to both families and to Kay and Peggy. You've not been forgotten and my prayers are constantly with you all.

August 9, 2006 ..... if only we could turn back time.

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

Hello Everyone.
It is a sad day. The second anniversary of my friend's disappearance.
The funds we raised are almost gone. There will be no more searches because there is no more money to reimburse searchers for gas. I'm convinced Peggy is not here anyway. I think she was taken alive to Possum Kingdom and her body is there somewhere.
The family is still hanging on to Peggy's life insurance and the state has helped keep that cost down by continuing to consider her an employee. That is a blessing.
I talked to an emotional family member. It is a hard anniversary.
Please keep them in your prayers.

PS I heard that there is a time limit on surveillance, so I guess he has not been watched for awhile.

Originally posted by LadyNTexas [*]In my opinion, Mickey Patterson is purposely out of state. He knows exactly what tomorrow is....the 2nd anniversary of the abduction and murders. I also think he knows the statue of limitations on civil suits and probably knew this was coming. It infuriates me even more so with the Lubbock LE though. How many times have we all read in their statements about the POI even after they started referring to him as Suspect...that they had him under surveilance 24/7. They'd better know exactly what address he's at in Oregon!! Also someone should alert the Oregon authorities that a murderer of women is in their state.

In my opinion if LE had kept the pressure on we'd have a break in this case by now. I also feel from what I've read on evidence they have that they should have ALREADY have charged him with Kay's murder.

I won't be able to be online tomorrow so I wanted to come online to night and pay my respect to both families and to Kay and Peggy. You've not been forgotten and my prayers are constantly with you all.

August 9, 2006 ..... if only we could turn back time.

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon [/*]

Does it matter if MP is out of state, provided the civil action has been filed prior to the expiration of the Statute of Limitations. I know, in this Country, that is all that is required.

ITA with the remainder of your post.

[starling]

Originally posted by annshouse [*]PS I heard that there is a time limit on surveillance, so I guess he has not been watched for awhile. [/*]

There's a time limit on surveillance? I have never heard of that. I can kind of understand, because after a while it would seem like harrassment, but still, as long as they aren't obvious and in his face, there should be no limit. Maybe it's because of the costs of a long term surveillance? Does anyone know for sure why that limit exists?

[LadyNTexas]

I'd suggest everyone take the link to this story and watch the over 5 minute video on the page....very very touching. My heart just breaks for the Merimon family. Here's the link and the story but view the video please!

Click here: Unknown still torments Merimon family | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Unknown still torments Merimon family
By Avalanche-journalrobin Pyle | Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Story last updated at 8/10/2008 - 4:02 am

Some days, Natosha Davis grieves for her mother.

Others, she feels panic.


And there are the really bad days when the daughter of missing Peggy Merimon falls to her knees and pleads with God to give her mother peace.

The unknown haunts the Merimon family two years after her disappearance.

Saturday was the anniversary. The mother of seven and grandmother of 25 was last seen alive leaving the Lubbock State School with co-worker Kay Harrelson and an unidentified man on Aug. 9, 2006.

Harrelson's mangled body was later found in a ditch.

"When you don't know (what has happened to your mother), you don't know if you should grieve and you don't know where they are, if they're OK, is there suffering or is there hardships for her?" Davis said. "When you don't know what to do, you're stuck in limbo."

They want answers. They want justice. They want closure.

It's also something the Lubbock Police Department wants.

Though no arrest has been made in the past two years, Police Sgt. John Gomez said the case is still being actively investigated, and police have been working new leads lately.

A "person of interest" has been identified - the man with whom the women left the state school - but police don't have the evidence yet for an arrest. "(Detectives) will never give up," Gomez said.

In their search for closure, the Merimon family recently filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mickey Patterson, the man they believe is responsible. The suit was reported last week in The Avalanche-Journal.

"Hopefully that'll bring some closure, hopefully - that's what we're looking for," said Gearl Merimon, Peggy's husband. "Our No. 1 priority has always been to bring her home, and (the murderer has) always been second in my mind."

To comment on this story:

robin.pyle@lubbockonline.com 766-8742

[LadyNTexas]

try this link...other one didn't work for some reason.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories...16883809.shtml

I am Peggy's daughter-in-law and I just want to tell all of you how much your support and your prayers mean to our family.
We are hoping for something from our suit. Some new information or some clue as to where our Belvie may be. But i just wanted to let you all know that we do appreciate your concern and your prayers.

Thank you all,

Dana U. Appleton

I want you to know that I wore my Peggy shirt today, from the concert, and I had three people come up to me to say that they are praying for you. I'm praying with you and for you too.

[LadyNTexas]

Another womans body (Monica Adams) was found in Lubbock yesterday. A mile from where the last unsolved murdered woman
(Selena Kuykendall) which brings the total in this area alone of body dumping to five unsolved womens murders (Linda Trevino Carbajal) (Cynthia Palacio) (Amanda Gschwend). Kay and Peggy's murderer still hasn't been arrested nor has Jennifer Wilkinson's. There's TOO MANY unsolved women's murders and abductions in Lubbock!

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

A segment on KCBD TV channel 11. below.

http://www.kcbd.com/global/story.asp?s=8876018

8/20/08
Homicide Investigation Continues Two Years After Body Found

Posted: Aug 20, 2008 11:45 PM CDT










It was two years ago a group of volunteer searchers found the body of 51-year-old Kay Harrelson in Northwest Lubbock County. Her murder remains unsolved.

Harrelson's body was discovered in a bar ditch along FM 179 near Shallowater. She went missing 11 days earlier along with her co-worker, 61-year-old Peggy Merimon. They were last seen leaving work at the Lubbock State School on August 9, 2006.

Merimon has never been found. Lubbock police questioned a person of interest who matched the description of the man last seen with the two women, but two years later, no arrest has been made.

Earlier this month we told you the families of both Harrelson and Merimon are suing Mickey Patterson. They claim he lured both women away from their job, held them against their will and eventually killed them.

Lubbock police have never named Patterson as a suspect in this case. Again, Harrelson's murder remains unsolved.

If you know anything that can help investigators crack this case, you're asked to call Crime Line at (806) 741-1000.

[Former Juror]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but this is how I understand it.

I asked the same question on the old thread that disappeared. Evidently, the witness at the State School where they all worked saw Peggy and Kay get in a car. That person described the car and the driver of the car, and that's where the sketch came from. The witness was a new employee, though, and didn't know who he was. I believe he was identified by the car.

IMO, the police knew his name early and WASTED lots of time by releasing the sketch. They could have been on his tail much quicker.

Juror has it right. I heard that the witness later identified him, so it is not just guess work. It bothers me too that LE did not use his picture etc. I had heard that he had been fingered pretty quickly and yet his place wasn't searched for a week. Very sad.
There is so much circumstantial evidence but I think they still want that last nail. I'm hoping the civil trial will provide it.

In reading the other posts I hear the intensity of feeling in the words of the friends of these women and their families. As a person who is not acquainted with these folks and as a person who is not close to the situation I like another poster have had questions. I wonder if the police are backing away...It seems that with time their case would be tightening up. Did the DNA come back, with one woman home and put to rest and what I have heard here is a strong circumstantial case...Why is LE waiting to move? There are so many unanswered questions, if they don't after two years have a case yet, is it possible they they are stringing along what they have until another stronger suspect is in hand? The DA and LE make such strong statements yet there has been no action. I think contemplation of questions should be encouraged. I hope I have not offended, but this particular case seems to have been handled so strangely. What do you think?

I wonder if they ever had the video showing a woman in his car enhanced to see if she could be identified? I also think they are hoping to find Peggy's remains in the hopes they'll find additional evidence although I doubt they will find any FE now. It is most disconcerting to think this POS likely killed 2 innocent and beloved women in this community and he is free to walk around. No doubt, it is obvious I believe he is the perp.

[LadyNTexas]

My personal opinion is that LE has a very strong case against the suspect...and in any other county there would have already been an arrest...but that Matt Powell will only take for certain cases to the grand jury to keep his conviction percentage perfect. Just knowing what evidence that I know they have...there is no reason that there hasn't been an arrest. They could try him for Kay's murderer and bargain somewhat to find out where Peggy is...and try her case separate...or convict on Kay and bargain for where Peggy is and not try her case at all. I still find it hard to believe that KNOWING who the suspect was that they didn't search his home for over a week...and NEVER searched his brothers home who lived in the same mobile home park and was in the hospital at the time this took place. Too many errors on LE's part in my opinion...I think they are just hoping this case will go away. I continually pray for a break in this case and for these families!

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

I agree with you about how ridiculous they are in Texas about searches. In Jennifer Wilkerson's case they evicted this guy before they searched his property! As if he couldn't have taken the body with him when he moved! Outrageous! In their defense, they say he is not a suspect, but if he's not a suspect, why search his property?

[LadyNTexas]

Leanne...I don't know if they've tried to enhance the video or not. I would think that they have. I definitely encourage the family to check on this and make sure though.

I wonder if the ball was dropped on alot of the investigation of this case because it seems to be split between the Police Department and the Sheriffs Department.

Continued prayers for the families.

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon

Originally posted by LadyNTexas [*]Leanne...I don't know if they've tried to enhance the video or not. I would think that they have. I definitely encourage the family to check on this and make sure though.

I wonder if the ball was dropped on alot of the investigation of this case because it seems to be split between the Police Department and the Sheriffs Department.

Continued prayers for the families.

Kay Harrelson
Peggy Merimon [/*]

I'm sure LE would have enhanced the video. Unfortunately, sometimes even enhancing doesn't give a positive picture.

I believe in any abduction and/or homicide case, there should be a team dedicated to that case only within one LE entity unless the FBI is involved, in which case they should work together. I do agree though that there could be a problem in that the PD and SD are both working the case.

Surely Mickey Patterson can't be so clever that he committed two perfect murders? It is, imo, incomprehensible that people can hide bodies so well that they are never found - but, then again, not being a criminal, I guess maybe my mind doesn't work that way.

Well, there is a response to the suit.

9/9/08
Mickey Patterson Responds to Merimon Lawsuit

Posted: Sep 9, 2008 07:06 PM CDT

There is an update on the case of missing Lubbock woman Peggy Merimon. It's been more than two years since Merimon disappeared along with coworker Kay Harrelson from the parking lot of the Lubbock State School.

Harrelson's body was found days later, but Merimon is still missing. The two families claim in court records that a former State School employee, Mickey Patterson, is responsible.

On Monday, he filed a response to that lawsuit. Patterson's attorney argues the families want access to records and testimony that are not allowed by law. The new documents were just filed Monday so the judge has not yet ruled.

[starling]

Thanks for the article annshouse

This perp makes me sick. How about, I'm not guilty & I'll take a poly.

The article has to mean his statements to LE. Having heard that there were lots of contradictions, we might assume that they are pretty damning. I really wonder about his attny. too. I mean, having to defend him.

I am a bit surprised. In America we are never called upon to prove our innocence. It is not only the job, but the responsibility of LE to build a case based on facts and evidence-of which the DA himself has stated there is none. Why would anyone expect MP to cooperate at this point? If I remember correctly he cooperated fully in the beginning and now two years later there is still no DNA, no witness…why should he? I understand the argument that if you are innocent then there is nothing to hide, however LE has had access to him all this time, and they do not have EVIDENCE against him. I say shame on LE/DA if they have anything and they are sitting on it waiting for more. The families deserve answers and the guilty party deserves what he/she has coming – but no American should have to prove anything to the parties responsible for seeking and finding truth and justice. LE/DA needs to use the tools available to them and PROVE their case beyond a reasonable doubt. I say good for his attorney. If it were not for people like him I wonder how many truly innocent men and women may have been lost? We just need to look around the world a bit to see how innocents faire in other countries. Would anyone disagree?

[BobbisAngel]

The families of the two women legally have the right to file a civil suit against this man. They have the right to have their attorney do a depo with this man where he will be asked a lot of questions and he will have to answer those questions. In court he will take the stand and be questioned by both attorneys. A jury will decide whether he was responsible for the deaths of the two women. It will be up to the families attorney to prove that he is guilty.

Through civil suits families can recieve answers to questions that they haven't been able to get answers to before. This man will be under oath and he best tell the truth.

I don't think these families would go so far as to file a civil suit if they weren't sure that this man is the guilty party. Who else looks like him, drives the same kind of car and worked with the two women? This man never did return to work after the deaths of the two ladies. Personally, I think this is the killer. I just wish he would tell the family what he did with Peggy.

Originally Posted by I'm All Ears

I am a bit surprised. In America we are never called upon to prove our innocence. It is not only the job, but the responsibility of LE to build a case based on facts and evidence-of which the DA himself has stated there is none. Why would anyone expect MP to cooperate at this point? If I remember correctly he cooperated fully in the beginning and now two years later there is still no DNA, no witness…why should he? I understand the argument that if you are innocent then there is nothing to hide, however LE has had access to him all this time, and they do not have EVIDENCE against him. I say shame on LE/DA if they have anything and they are sitting on it waiting for more. The families deserve answers and the guilty party deserves what he/she has coming – but no American should have to prove anything to the parties responsible for seeking and finding truth and justice. LE/DA needs to use the tools available to them and PROVE their case beyond a reasonable doubt. I say good for his attorney. If it were not for people like him I wonder how many truly innocent men and women may have been lost? We just need to look around the world a bit to see how innocents faire in other countries. Would anyone disagree?

I'm not following your post. Neither LE or the DA are trying to get MP to prove his innocence. From my understanding, the family has filed a wrongful death suit and that is what he is required to respond to. I just wish the criminal charges had already been laid because I think the families' chances of a successful outcome would have been easier. However, if they have a good attorney, it is still possible and, imo, in the event of a successful outcome on the civil suit, it could well result in the DA deciding to proceed with murder charges. JMOOC.

Ears, I think you are hearing wrong. You commented that they have no evidence. I don't think the DA ever said that. They have lots more than you ever imagine. It's going to come out eventually. It has been handled strangely but it will come out. The Good Book says that nothing will remain hidden.

[Amy]

Originally Posted by annshouse

Ears, I think you are hearing wrong. You commented that they have no evidence. I don't think the DA ever said that. They have lots more than you ever imagine. It's going to come out eventually. It has been handled strangely but it will come out. The Good Book says that nothing will remain hidden.

I remember reading (and seeing on crime shows) that because of shows like CSI and and such, that jurors are wanting all kinds of DNA type evidence, the type of things they see in these shows. The DA's DO seem to be wanting every T crossed, every I dotted and it takes longer than some of us want it to.

I remember some cases where, the authorities are SURE who committed the crime, it is just that the evidence they have might not compel the jury to convict. And, sometimes it takes new forensic science to give them the "proof" they feel the jury will convict on.

And, for sure, most would certainly like to have a body for absolute proof that the victim indeed is dead.....no matter how logical it is that that would be the case, as the saying goes--it only takes one juror to cause a mistrial or even a dismissal of the case.

And, for sure, the DA wants the surest shot---NO ONE wants for the case to get to a point where the verdict might be "not guilty." Mistrial, hung-jury are bad enough, but to let the perp walk (forever) is the last thing anyone wants (except the perp and his lawyers, of course.)

You've made some excellent points Amy, thank you!