Juan Jaime Merino Jr, 21, was found dead inside his vehicle parked along Brookhurst Lane in Arlington, Texas, on November 21, 2022. Arlington police say he was shot during an encounter with two people who had arranged to meet him to buy marijuana; the suspects allegedly robbed him and shot him during the exchange. Detectives believe Merino did not know the suspects beforehand.

Two people were arrested in the case: 20-year-old Bryce Oliver and a juvenile whose name has not been released because of his age. Both were charged with capital murder. Oliver was held at the Tarrant County Jail and the juvenile at the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. Merino’s family and community remember him as hardworking, athletic, devoted to personal fitness, and active in Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church; his favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:13.

If anyone knew Juan, witnessed the meeting on Brookhurst Lane, or has information that could help the investigation, please contact the Arlington Police Department.