On August 20, 2023, at approximately 9:43 AM, the Beaverton Police Department responded to the report of a stabbing at the Springbrook Apartments located at 10080 SW 5th St. in Beaverton, Oregon. Upon arrival, officers found a female victim with multiple stab wounds lying on grass outside of an apartment building. The alleged assailant, Alfonza Terrell Merritt, the victim’s ex-husband, reportedly fled the scene after being confronted by a neighbor armed with a handgun.
The victim, 48-year-old Julie Ann Frazier-Merritt, conveyed her attacker’s identity to officers before being taken to a local hospital for treatment. She told officers she had a restraining order against Merritt. According to witnesses, Alfonza Merritt fled the scene, prior to police arrival, in a dark green 2002 Toyota Camry with Indiana license plates.
Beaverton police officers searched for Alfonza Merritt and notified other law enforcement agencies in the area. Approximately three hours later, Oregon State Police apprehended Alfonza Merritt at a rest area off Hwy 84 near Hermiston, Oregon. He was driving the aforementioned vehicle when he was apprehended.
Alfonza Merritt was lodged at the Umatilla County Jail on charges, which included Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Murder and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. The victim, Julie Ann Frazier-Merritt is in critical condition. This is an open investigation.
