ALMA, Wis. – A man accused of killing his live-in caretaker in nearby Nelson about 2-1/2 years ago and hiding her corpse denied guilt before a judge. The plea by Randall Q. Merrick, 50, was entered in Buffalo County court. The plea was accepted by Judge Joseph Boles, who is on loan from neighboring Pierce County. Judge Boles continued Merrick’s bond at $1 million. His next court appearance was scheduled for September 28. The victim, Beth Johnson, disappeared some time in a three-month period in late 2017 and early 2018. The case was going cold until investigators amassed enough evidence to charge Merrick in June. A few days later Johnson’s body of was found buried in the north Minneapolis suburb of Blaine.
Earlier: Bond $1 million in waitress slaying
MERRICK: Back in court in September