A shocking incident has unfolded in Lewisville, Texas, where a 51-year-old man, Travis Merrill, stands accused of murdering his coworker, Tamhara Collazo, due to an escalating ‘obsession’ with her. The tragic event took place at the trucking company where both the victim and the accused worked.
Authorities were alerted to the scene by reports of an active shooter at around 11:30 am. Upon arriving at the office, law enforcement found Merrill on his knees with his hands raised in surrender, and two revolvers allegedly in his possession. During police questioning, Merrill reportedly admitted to harbouring intense and escalating feelings towards Collazo, leading to a meticulously planned shooting.
According to arrest documents obtained by local media, Merrill’s fixation on his younger colleague grew due to his perception of her taking unauthorised breaks during work hours and not acknowledging him. This fixation supposedly led Merrill to stalk Collazo over several months, meticulously noting the exact dates and durations of her breaks.
The situation further intensified when Collazo addressed Merrill’s behaviour, resulting in his suspension pending counselling. Upon his return to work, the documents allege that Collazo actively avoided him, further fuelling Merrill’s anger. Subsequently, he allegedly acquired firearms, practised with them at home, and ultimately carried out the fatal shooting at their workplace.
The heinous act took place on October 17 when Merrill allegedly ambushed Collazo at her desk after monitoring her during her lunch break. Collazo, a 37-year-old accounts receivable specialist at Allegiance Trucks since November 2022, tragically lost her life in the attack. The company expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced the indefinite closure of its Lewisville office in the wake of the tragedy.
The devastating event has left not only the involved individuals but the entire community reeling from the impact of gun violence in the workplace. Merrill now faces serious charges in connection with the murder as the legal proceedings unfold in Denton County. The chilling episode serves as a stark reminder of the concerning consequences of unchecked obsessions and workplace grievances, sending shockwaves through the local area.