Staten Island FDNY Widow Told Detectives

She Didn't Realize Husband Was Dead

Staten Island Advance 5/5/09

A Staten Island woman did not realize her husband was lying dead in their bed when she walked into the master bedroom of their Oakwood home to retrieve clothing - about 10 hours after the defense contends he was slain - a detective testified today.

Detective Alice Rodenburg said Janet Redmond-Mercereau told her she didn't "notice anything wrong" when she entered the master bedroom between 6:30 and 7 a.m. on Dec. 2, 2007, to get some clothes before showering.

Mrs. Redmond-Mercereau, who is on trial for allegedly murdering her husband, Supervising Fire Marshal Douglas Mercereau as he slept in bed, said she had been sleeping with her two young daughters, who were ill, in their bedroom, prior to entering the master bedroom.

The defendant only became aware of her husband's death when she went back to the master bedroom after showering and drinking coffee. That's when she said she found a blood-spotted cell phone on the floor. The defendant then said she turned on the light and saw her husband's blood-stained face, Detective Rodenburg testified in state Supreme Court, St. George.

While a medical examiner determined the time of death was around 6:30 a.m., the defense, citing autopsy information, maintains the victim was shot around 8:30 the night before. Mrs. Redmond-Mercereau, 40, told police she was shopping at Kmart and a liquor store at that time.

She said she had taken some medication before sleeping and did not hear any shots being fired.

Mercereau was killed with three bullets to the head and jaw.

Detective Rodenburg said the defendant's mood fluctuated as she interviewed her at the 122nd Precinct in New Dorp on Dec. 2. Mrs. Redmond-Mercereau was alternately calm, angered and "teary-eyed."

Several times, the defendant, without being specifically questioned, stated her husband was a gun enthusiast. She also told the detective she hated guns.

Apparently hinting there had been an intruder, Mrs. Redmond-Mercereau told her she found that the door between the sunroom and living room had been unlocked and that the gate to their yard had been opened, Detective Rodenburg testified.

-- Reported by Frank Donnelly