Whenever 64-year-old Tom Merrimen's name appeared in California newspapers, it was always because

of butterflies.

Tom was a butterfly expert who loved them.

He talked to the press about how the latest weather phenomena was going to affect them.

He promoted his non-profit in tourism attraction he co-founded, the butterfly farms in Encinitas

California.

It was a butterfly garden and aviary where the public could learn all they had ever

hoped to about butterflies and more.

Butterflies are whimsical, delicate and beautiful, but there was a darker side to Tom Merrimen.

In fact, Deputy District Attorney Jorge Del Portillo warned jurors, you're not going

to like him, you're not going to like his conduct.

He told them, there was some offensive, disturbing conduct on behalf of Mr. Merrimen, which is

the exact motive for this case.

On January 1, 2021, Tom Merrimen's body was found buried under trash in his driveway.

Next to the pile was a wheelbarrow.

His death occurred after Tom had suffered some medical issues days earlier.

He had fallen down and broken his ribs, spending several days in the hospital, and then

getting therapy until he was discharged late morning on New Year's Eve.

When authorities discovered his body, he still wore his medical bracelet and the clothes

he had been wearing when he left the nursing care facility.

The defense argued that Tom died from an overdose.

That's what the autopsy indicated.

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