Tyrell Lamont Samuel, 26, of Saluda, was convicted of murder in the first degree, among other felony charges, after a three-day jury trial in Gloucester County Circuit Court that ended Friday afternoon.
The charges stem from a home invasion that took place during the early morning hours of Aug. 15, 2022, leaving 18-year-old Skyler Ann Merenda dead and her boyfriend, Ramel Wilson, who was 20 at the time, injured. The shooting occurred at the 4300 block of Bufflehead Drive. Samuel was indicted on May 1, 2023 for charges related to the home invasion and murder.
Four couples were present in the home during the Aug. 15 shooting. Scarlett Elmore, whose family owned the home, and Deandre “Malik” Waller stayed in the primary bedroom; Darius Rudd and Hope Sullivan shared a bedroom; Caitlin Pickett had her own bedroom, where Dracey Greenwood would sometimes stay; and Merenda and Wilson were sleeping temporarily in the great, or back, room.
The great room had a sliding glass door that opened onto...