Former Detective’s Surrender Update: Attorney Claims Court Bond is ‘Painfully Absurd’ as Client Remains at Large

TROY, Mo. — A former Lincoln County detective remains at large despite his attorney’s assurances that he would surrender to authorities on felony charges related to a high-profile murder trial. Michael Merkel, 44, is facing two Class A felony counts of perjury tied to the controversial conviction of Russ Faria in the murder of Betsy Faria. Merkel’s attorney, Joel Eisenstein, had repeatedly informed the court that his client would turn himself in on Thursday morning. As of that evening, however, prosecutors confirmed Merkel had not complied. The Journal has uncovered that Merkel is no longer … Read more

Giuliani Vows to Appeal “Absurd” Defamation Damages, Dismissing Role in Threats

Washington, DC – Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani has expressed his intention to appeal against the damages awarded to election workers whom he defamed. In a defamation trial, a jury ordered Giuliani to pay nearly $150 million to the Georgia election workers for the harm caused by his defamatory statements following the 2020 election. Giuliani believes that the damages awarded are absurd and feels that the trial was unfair. Giuliani made these remarks outside the courtroom after the verdict was read. He described the amount he was ordered to pay as absurd, emphasizing … Read more