Benjamin Merritt

Benjamin Merritt, 34, was fatally shot in a road-rage incident on Highway 141 in Fenton. Records show Merritt owned a landscaping and lawn care company. He lived in the 2800 block of Maplewood Drive in High Ridge. Family members declined to speak to a Post-Dispatch reporter on Saturday. Robert Mulkey, 53, of Crystal City, has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting, which took place around 8 a.m. Friday. Police say Mulkey and Merritt got into a dispute in traffic. Merritt got out of his vehicle to approach Mulkey, who was still seated in his car. Merritt flicked his cigarette at Mulkey’s face and began walking back to his own vehicle. According to court documents, Mulkey then shot Merritt in the back. Merritt died at a hospital.