Daniel M. Merritt was 26 when his body was found buried in a wooded area off Auction Barn Road near Minden, Louisiana, on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Known to family as Madison and described as a mama’s boy who stayed in daily contact with his mother, he was reported missing the Tuesday after a Saturday when his mother did not hear from him.

From the outset investigators treated the death as a homicide. The Minden Police Department, Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police crime scene investigators worked the case. Detectives developed a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for Cedric Stephens; a multiagency manhunt, including assistance from the U.S. Marshal’s Office and a reward offer, followed. Stephens later surrendered to authorities. Graveside services for Merritt were held the Friday after his body was recovered.

Police described the probe as a puzzle with many unanswered questions as they built a court case. If anyone knew Daniel’s movements that week or has information about what happened, contact the agencies handling the investigation.