Couple Charged with Death of 3-Week-Old in Currituck County
Currituck County, NC – A tragic incident has unfolded as a couple has been charged in connection with the death of their 3-week-old infant, Declan Merritt. The child was found unresponsive on March 27, 2024, leading to a series of events that have shocked the local community.
Investigation and Arrest
At approximately 9:00 am on that fateful March day, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing call regarding an unresponsive infant at a residence on Bluefish Ct in Grandy. Despite immediate transportation to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, the baby succumbed to his condition.
Following a thorough investigation conducted by the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) and Narcotics divisions, authorities arrested Brittany Nixon, 35, and Cameron Merritt, 28, on August 29, 2024. The charges against them include serious offenses that reflect the gravity of the situation.
Charges Filed
Brittany Nixon faces charges of Involuntary Manslaughter and Felony Child Abuse. She is currently held at the Currituck County Detention Center under a secured bond of $500,000.00. Cameron Merritt has been charged with Felony Child Abuse and is also in custody at the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office with a secured bond set at $250,000.00.
A Community in Mourning
The untimely death of Declan Merritt has left the community in shock and mourning. Parents and residents alike are grappling with the tragic loss, raising concerns about the safety and care of children in the area.
As the legal proceedings unfold, many are left wondering how such a heartbreaking event could occur. The couple’s next court appearances will be closely monitored as authorities seek to ensure justice for the young victim.
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
