Suspect Charged and Arrested in Death of Man Whose Skeletal Remains Were Found in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – August 22, 2023 – Houston Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a man whose skeletal remains were found at 605 West Clay Street on December 6, 2021.

The suspect, Pamela Ann Merritt, 43, has been charged with murder in the 262nd State District Court. Merritt is accused of the death of Colin Kerdachi, 78.

HPD patrol officers initially responded to the address after receiving information about a human skeleton found in the backyard. The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. The discovery was made by occupants of the residence as they were cleaning the house and yard.

The remains were later identified as those of Mr. Kerdachi, the homeowner of the residence, who had been reported missing in February 2021. Autopsy results from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences confirmed the identity.

Further investigation led to the identification of Merritt as the suspect in Kerdachi’s death. Charges were filed against her on May 30, 2023, and an appeal was made to the public to help locate her.

On Friday, August 18, HPD officers arrested Merritt without incident, and she was booked into the Harris County Jail.

The investigation continues, and additional details may be released as they become available.