Puyallup, WA – A Washington state man faces more than 25 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering a female roommate and then concealing the crime. He was also found guilty of an additional charge related to his “kissing” the genitals of the victim before burying her in a shallow grave.
On September 12, 2011, the ex-wife of Kelly Merz, 51, walked into the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department precinct to report that Merz had just called her and confessed to killing 33-year-old Cori Lewis. An investigation followed.
According to a prosecutor’s press release, in August 2011, the victim, 33-year-old Cori Lewis began renting a bedroom in Merz’ two-bedroom apartment with a friend. After “tension among the roommates,” Lewis and her friend were given an eviction notice by Merz. This reportedly lead to an argument between Merz and Lewis that “turned violent.” In his interview, Merz reportedly told investigators that, during the altercation, he, “tried unsuccessfully to break her neck.” According to prosecutors, “intent on killing Cori, he pinned her to the floor, pulled a .380 handgun from his back pocket, placed the muzzle to her head and fired once,” killing her.…
Continue Reading
