Crime & Safety

Collegeville Man Accused of Murder Faces Judge in Devon

The victim's family hears graphic testimony in the case against Merritt Dudas.

Amidst some of the heaviest security ever at Devon District Court, prosecutors painstakingly mapped out gruesome details in the first degree murder case against Merritt Dudas, accused of killing Drew Ferguson.

Chester County Detectives say 21-year-old Drew Allen Ferguson was found dead the week before Thanksgiving, wrapped in a sleeping bag and buried under a a makeshift couch in a detached garage at the Malvern home he shared with his grandparents.

Dudas, 24, sat slumped over in a chair looking up only when ordered to stand as District Court Judge Thomas Tartaglio ruled prosecutors had presented enough evidence to send the case up to Chester County Common Pleas Court in West Chester.

Members of the victim's family sat just feet away from Dudas in the small courtroom as Chester County Detectives took the stand and described a gruesome murder scene and a killer who took pains to hide his victim but showed no restraint in taking and using the victim's car and bank cards.

In addition to first degree murder Dudas faces several other felony charges related to taking and using Drew Ferguson's bank card in the days following the murder.

Detectives testified that Ferguson was shot in the head and that Dudas confessed to the crime in interviews with investigators.

Detectives also testified that a Honda coupe, keys, spent bullet casings that matched the alleged murder weapon, the victim's wallet, iPhone, and bank card were all found in Dudas' bedroom in the Collegeville home he shared with his girlfriend and her parents.

In court documents filed in the case Dudas, who had been long time friend with Ferguson, told police that his girlfriend was not involved in the murder or theft of the victim's property.

Chester County Detective Joseph Nangle testified that evidence from bank records, surveillance camera footage and receipts indicated that Dudas used the victim's bank card to make purchases at Pet Smart, Best Buy, CVS, Wegmans and Wawa totaling well over $500.

Defense Attorneys presented no witnesses and made no closing arguments to refute prosecutors' evidence presented in the preliminary hearing.

Dudas was ordered to stand trial and ordered back to Chester County Prison where he is being held without bail pending his next court proceedings.  At this stage of the case prosecutors have not said whether or not they will seek the death penalty in the case.

Heavy Security

Inside the courtroom constables who are responsible for security in district court courtrooms lined the room and used a handheld wand to check everyone in the courtroom for weapons.  Outside three uniformed Easttown Police officers and a detective sergeant stayed on patrol until Dudas had been escorted out of the building in handcuffs and shackles to be driven back to prison.

While not unprecedented at Devon District Court, the security presence and precautions were heavier than most officers could recall in years, if ever. Dudas' next court appearance will be in Common Pleas Court in the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester.
 


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