5 Judges Disqualify Themselves

Five judges have removed themselves from a court case in which a man has been charged with injuring a child who later died.

No reason for the voluntary disqualifications was given in the court records. However, the accused man’s mother, Marie Merwin, is a deputy clerk for one of the judges. She also works in the same courthouse with several of the other judges.

In August, Kevin Merwin was charged with injury to a child in the death of 2-year-old Alexander Buss. The boy died July 19 while staying at Merwin’s house. Merwin lives with Buss’ mother.

Merwin’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6. Judge Patrick McFadden of St. Maries is scheduled to preside.

, DataTimes