Today (Feb 21), the Brevard County Grand Jury indicted Edward MEREK III (33) for First-Degree Felony Murder-Distribution of a Controlled Substance (CF), and Sale or Delivery of Fentanyl (F2), in connection to the death of Alicia Johnson Gross (23), on Burgess Avenue, Cocoa, on April 23, 2020.

 

The Brevard County Medical Examiner ruled Johnson Gross's death the result of Fentanyl Toxicity or overdose. After a months long investigation, MEREK III was arrested September 1, 2020, on unrelated drug charges. Investigators discovered evidence that ultimately tied him to the Fentanyl delivered to Johnson Gross just over an hour before she was found deceased. 

 

MEREK III is currently serving a 25-month state prison sentence for possession of Fentanyl and other violations. MEREK III will be served with the Grand Jury Indictment and later transferred to the Brevard County Jail without bond, to await trial in this case. 

 

The Grand Jury heard testimony from a Brevard County Sheriff's Office Investigator and the Brevard County Medical Examiner before returning with the indictments.

 

No trial date has been set in this case. Please consult the Brevard Clerk of Courts website for updates on future court appearances by this defendant.