Fisherman Dies After Assault Aboard His Boat

A commercial fisherman who lived abord his boat in a Madeira Beach marina has died from injuries after an assault by three men who snuck aboard the Lilly Ann and beat him.

Michael T. Merrill, 57, died on Thursday from injuries received from a beating
Sept. 12. Sheriff's Patrol deputies initiated the investigation on that date, when Merrill was hospitalized with serious injuries.

Merrill was transported to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of various
internal and head injuries after three suspects allegedly
boarded the Lilly Anne and confronted Merrill late on the night of September
1.

He told them to leave, and reportedly threatened them with a knife.
Reports indicate the three left the boat at that time, but returned to the
boat around 2:00 a.m., and began beating Merrill with hand tools and other
objects. He was able to escape by diving into the water, and hiding under the
dock. A friend found Merrill a short time later, and called for assistance.

The three suspects were arrested:

Timothy John Schuyler, Aggravated Battery.

Joshua Eugene Shroyer,Aggravated Battery.

Kord Lynn Tucker, Aggravated Battery.


The State Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and the charges again in the
light of Mr. Merrill's death October 4th. The investigation
continues.