SAINT SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — A St. Simons Island dentist accused of murder has responded to a wrongful death lawsuit filed against her. 

Suzanne Mericle is accused of shooting and killing James David Barron at their home in Gainesville, Georgia, on March 8, 2025. Mericle is the owner of Mericle Dentistry on St. Simons Island.

Barron’s two children filed a wrongful death suit on March 19, which alleges Mericle shot Barron through a door at their home after an argument. 

The complaint also alleges Mericle was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the shooting. The suit seeks to recover all damages allowable by law, including for Barron’s lost wages, mental and physical suffering, funeral expenses and attorney fees.

An attorney for Mericle filed an answer to their suit on April 17. 

Mericle asserted her Fifth Amendment right to most of the claims made in the suit. Her attorney also filed a motion for a protective order and a motion to stay the case until her criminal case is finished. The motion claims presenting a defense in the civil case ‘poses the risk of a life sentence in the criminal case’ since Mericle could incriminate herself.

Mericle is still being held in Hall County jail, waiting for arraignment. She has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and tampering with evidence.