Former Pinellas music teacher arrested for attempted murder: affidavit

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A former music teacher at St. Petersburg’s Lakewood High School was arrested on Jan. 31 for attempted murder, according to an affidavit.

St. Petersburg police said Jacob Merrett, 35, was in his home when he shot another man several times with a semi-automatic handgun. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries.

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According to the affidavit, on Tuesday, Merrett and his wife got into an argument about her relationship with the victim. She told police she and her husband have an open relationship, but he didn’t want her to be involved with the victim.

That night, Merrett saw a text from the victim on his wife’s phone. He “demanded” to see the messages, but she refused to show him her phone. Then he left the home.

When he returned, his wife wouldn’t let him back inside the home because she feared for her safety. The two mutually decided it would be best for him to leave for the remainder of the night.

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When he returned home, he found the victim at his residence with his wife. He reportedly called 911 and said someone was at his home, sexually assaulting his wife. Then he shot the victim several times, and claimed not to know him, the affidavit said.

Pinellas County Schools confirmed Merrett was a music teacher at the school for 11 years, but has not worked for the district since October 2022. His last job was as an assistant principal at Disston Academy.

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