Bio 

John Donald Merrett was born on August 17, 1908, in New Zealand. He later lived in Britain with his mother, Bertha Merrett. As a teenager, Merrett lived in Edinburgh, Scotland, and attended Edinburgh University. However, reports say he spent much of his time away from his studies. He also began forging cheques from his mother’s bank account to support his lifestyle.

In March 1926, Bertha Merrett was shot in the head at their home. She died on April 1, 1926. Merrett was later tried for her murder, but the jury returned a “not proven” verdict, meaning he was not legally convicted. He was convicted only of cheque fraud and served 12 months in prison.

After his release, Merrett used the name Ronald John Chesney. He married Isobel Veronica Bonnar, also known as Vera, and later became involved in fraud, smuggling, and other criminal activity.

By the early 1950s, Merrett was separated from Vera. She was living in Ealing, London, with her mother, Mary Menzies, when Merrett returned while facing financial problems. The 1954 double killing happened shortly afterward.

Murder Story

The first suspicious death linked to John Donald Merrett was the shooting of his mother, Bertha Merrett, in Edinburgh on March 17, 1926. She died from her injuries on April 1, 1926. Merrett claimed his mother had shot herself. However, investigators later found that he had been forging her cheques, giving him a possible financial motive.

In 1927, Merrett was tried for his mother’s murder. The jury returned a Scottish verdict of “not proven,” meaning he was not legally convicted of murder. He was convicted only of cheque fraud and served 12 months in prison.

After prison, Merrett changed his name to Ronald Chesney. He married Vera Bonnar, but the marriage later broke down. Vera eventually lived in Ealing, London, with her mother, Mary Menzies.

On February 11, 1954, Vera and Mary were found dead at their home. Vera had been drowned in a bathtub, and Mary had been attacked and strangled.

After the killings, Merrett fled to Germany. Police wanted to question him, but he died before he could be arrested. On February 16, 1954, his body was found near Cologne, Germany. He had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Forensic evidence later connected him to the deaths of Vera and Mary. Because Merrett died before trial, he was never convicted for the 1954 murders. His confirmed victim count should be listed as 2, with his mother, Bertha Merrett, listed separately as alleged / not proven.