Police: Murder Suspect Jumps to His Death

Police say Eric Merz died Sunday in an apparent suicide

Allen police have identified the victim of an apparent suicide as 42-year-old murder suspect Eric Merz.

Merz was out on bond after being charged in March with the murder of his wife, Mary "Beth" Merz, in their McKinney home.

On Sunday afternoon, Allen police responded to an emergency call reporting a man had jumped from the state Highway 121 overpass onto the main lanes of U.S. 75 – reportedly an 80 foot drop.

Police found an unattended vehicle in the same area which was determined to be a rental car.

The identity of the jumper was eventually traced back to that of Merz.

Police said the preliminary investigation indicates his death was a suicide. Police do not believe he was pushed, however, confirmation from the Collin County medical examiner is still pending.

According to McKinney police, on March 6, one of the two Merz children came home from school to find the family's home locked.

When the child looked through a window, the child saw their mother’s body lying on the ground.

The child then ran to a neighbor, who called 911.

Eric Merz was also discovered injured in the home, but was later charged with his wife’s murder.

The couple’s two children are now living with relatives.

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