Daniel Madison Merritt

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Minden Police Department Webster Parish Sheriffs Office (LA)

Offense Location:

Minden, Louisiana

Summary:

Daniel Madison Merritt, 26, was reported missing on May 5, 2023, from Minden, Louisiana. His body was discovered buried in a wooded area off Auction Barn Road on May 7, 2023. Cedric Bernard Stephens was identified as a suspect, arrested on June 2, 2023, and charged with second-degree murder.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

Daniel Madison Merritt was last heard from on Saturday, May 4, 2023, when he failed to contact his mother, with whom he spoke daily. His mother, Shan Merritt, became concerned when she did not hear from him and texted his father James Merritt on Saturday to ask if he had seen or spoken with Madison. When James confirmed he had not, Shan called the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office and reported him missing on Tuesday, May 5. Following a tip, authorities were directed to a wooded area off Auction Barn Road near the Minden Rodeo Arena. On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at approximately noon, Merritt's body was discovered partially buried in the wooded area. The body was identified as Daniel Madison Merritt, and Minden Police Chief Jared McIver confirmed it was being investigated as a homicide.

Additional Details:

On Monday, May 8, Deputy Chief Tokia Harrison of the Minden Police Department announced that a suspect had been identified and a warrant was issued for his arrest on May 9, 2023. The suspect was identified as Cedric Bernard Stephens, 37, known by the nickname "Ced Red." Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted an extensive manhunt, including the Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, Wade Correctional Center's K-9 unit, and the Minden City Marshal's Office. On June 2, 2023, after more than three weeks on the run, Stephens walked into the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office and surrendered. Upon surrender, Stephens immediately requested an attorney, ending the police interview. Stephens was transferred to the Minden Police Department and charged with second-degree murder. He was initially held at Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. Family friend James Merritt stated that Daniel and Cedric Stephens were known to each other. Daniel's father expressed that the family was devastated but relieved that Stephens was in custody, while maintaining that Stephens was innocent until proven guilty. Graveside services for Daniel M. Merritt were held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Fuller Cemetery in Minden, Louisiana, with Reverend Chet Johnson officiating. He is survived by his mother Shan Merritt of Minden, father James Merritt of Dubberly, sisters Mallory Merritt and Maizie Garcia of Minden, and one nephew Marion Murphy of Minden.

Case Last Updated:

Sep 01, 2026