http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007012330/Physician+treated+boy's+family+for+years
Physician treated boy's family for years
by Kris Wise
Daily Mail staff
A Dunbar doctor who has been indicted in connection with the 2005 death of 2-year-old Logan Goodall had treated the toddler's grandparents and other family members for decades, a relative of the child said.
John Vincent Merrifield, who has been a physician in West Virginia since 1969, still has a medical practice in Dunbar.
The man faces a three-count indictment. He is charged with neglect and with two counts of failing to report to authorities injuries to Logan that officials believe he should have tagged as suspicious.
His wife, Diane Merrifield, also was charged with one count of gross child neglect leading to death.
The doctor has been on the board of several respected organizations in the state, from the American Academy of Family Physicians to the Thomas Memorial Hospital board of directors.
Melissa Eren, Logan's maternal grandmother, said she believes the Merrifields are as responsible as anyone for what happened to her grandson.
"It's about time," she said Monday after the indictments were announced. "I'm just so glad something's been done."
Logan died Sept. 6, 2005, after what police believe was a lengthy period of severe sexual assault and abuse. Michael Merrifield, the son of John and Diane Merrifield and the former boyfriend of Logan's mother, is to stand trial this spring in connection with the boy's death. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, child neglect by a guardian or parent resulting in death, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and first-degree sexual assault.
Much more at above link.
Physician treated boy's family for years
by Kris Wise
Daily Mail staff
A Dunbar doctor who has been indicted in connection with the 2005 death of 2-year-old Logan Goodall had treated the toddler's grandparents and other family members for decades, a relative of the child said.
John Vincent Merrifield, who has been a physician in West Virginia since 1969, still has a medical practice in Dunbar.
The man faces a three-count indictment. He is charged with neglect and with two counts of failing to report to authorities injuries to Logan that officials believe he should have tagged as suspicious.
His wife, Diane Merrifield, also was charged with one count of gross child neglect leading to death.
The doctor has been on the board of several respected organizations in the state, from the American Academy of Family Physicians to the Thomas Memorial Hospital board of directors.
Melissa Eren, Logan's maternal grandmother, said she believes the Merrifields are as responsible as anyone for what happened to her grandson.
"It's about time," she said Monday after the indictments were announced. "I'm just so glad something's been done."
Logan died Sept. 6, 2005, after what police believe was a lengthy period of severe sexual assault and abuse. Michael Merrifield, the son of John and Diane Merrifield and the former boyfriend of Logan's mother, is to stand trial this spring in connection with the boy's death. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, child neglect by a guardian or parent resulting in death, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian and first-degree sexual assault.
Much more at above link.
