Man I remember this like it was yesterday. Me and my best friend were on Crenshaw that night and Merlin was just chillin at the gas station in a silver Bimmer 740iL by himself. Spoke to us like he knew us and was super cool. 10 mins later, he’s parked behind us on Crenshaw in the gutter lane, we said what up so the young chicks would think we knew him and he actually spoke back and asked us where we were going. Chopped it up and left out. 2 hours later one of the homies said they heard he had been shot and was in the front seat slumped over on King. Our cities violence really hit home for me and my boy, seniors in High school at the time. We had just saw him 2 hrs before smh. I graduated, joined the military and never looked back. Your last day here, you left two high school kids from the hood with a great memory of you champ. RIP to you King🙏🏽

Should have given the girl the life plus 70 since she set the whole murder up

His death and Lamont Bentley’s death bothered me very deeply. I don’t understand how humans can do other humans the way they did Merlin. There was absolutely no reason to do that. What was wrong with getting a job and living the best life possible?

I never knew Brandon was present during Merlin’s murder. Wow😢

This is heartbreaking story about Merlin he was such a talented brother. May he RIP.

This is such a tragedy. Really sad Merlin lost his life over something so senseless. I hope Brandon is doing well, but I'm sure that event scarred him psychologically. 😢❤️❤️

Had the biggest crush on him, Brandon, all the ones that would be in the teen magazines with pull out posters. I can't believe he has been gone for so long, right around the time we lost Aaliyah and Left Eye. Such a great time that I miss so much and the type of wholesome tv we once had. The ones that always had a special episode where parents would give moral lesson on the topic and that cheesy soft dramatic music would play as they spoke. I miss those days so much. RIP to Mr. Santana, gone but will never be forgotten.

See how lying on a man can cause so much pain? SAD And yes she should have received life too! 😢

As a kid I loved the movie people under the stairs. R.I.P Merlin

When I was a teenager I always looked forward to the Steve Harvey show, it was a comfort show. I was really shocked to hear what happened. Of course most murders are tragic, but something like this is beyond senselessly tragic

R.I.P. this brother...May he and my dad, lloyd Fernandez avery ii, rest peacefully on the heavens above since the world will never forget them!!! 🙏✝️🕊🕊💯

Random Thought: Merlin Santana, Brandon Adams, Jason Weaver, and Keshia Knight-Pulliman, them four always came off like they could be real life biological relatives. They give a best cousins type of vibe those four if y’all think about it.

He had a lot of charisma and was a good actor. Bless him 😔

This is so awful to hear. I had a huge crush on him as Stanley on the Cosby show. Monique should’ve gotten more time.

Highest extent of hate of your own people..SMH SENSELESS

Horrible what happened to them R.I.P. Merlin 🕊️🕊️

Damn! She should have gotten it least 15-20 years.

I can't even imagine what Brandon has been feeling all these years now. 💔

This is one of the kindest memorials Ive ever seen. What a beautiful display of respect, love, and honor.

I just love this dude swag.. He was so charismatic too. Rest in power.

Merlin is sorely missed. I almost passed this story by because it still hurts my heart to know such a beautiful soul was taken from the earth in such a tragic way. I know he is in heaven with the Good Lord.

Man i loved this dude in the STEVE HARVEY SHOW I was a big fan so much potential I miss this dude GREATNESS LEFT SO SOON. RIP.....

I remember when all this happened. There are some evil people in this world. May he rest peacefully and Brandon smile at the more positive memories they shared together.

Oooohhhh, I remember that episode of Sister-Sister. That's why I remembered him. I used to watch Sister-Sister 24/7, even if it was the re-runs.

I remember when it was announced on the Steve Harvey radio show in Los Angeles. This case hurts eternally. Merlin was someone who didn’t deserve what happened to him. He wasn’t that kind of guy. If there were such a thing as trading places, he should be here and folks who actually do take advantage of young girls should be six feet deep, not him.

I thought these 2 guys were related? I didn't know Brandon was with Santana in this situation? Wow! This makes sense. I've always asked myself what happened to that kid from the Mighty ducks? He had talent. Never knew if he passed away? But then I saw him 1 DAY in a post pic a couple of years later with the reunion of the Sand lot. I was like "Sheesh! I'm glad he's alive & Well👍!" Rip to Merlin. Thank GOD 🙏 Brandon is Well.

How does a whole 15year old set up a murder plot????? Where were her parents? They allowed a 15 year old to be out at night? Lord help!

Every time I hear this story, it's so senseless. It's really sad..That didn't have to happen..RIP, Merlin..Brandon stay strong. She should have gotten more time for her involvement in his death.. People are definitely not to be trusted. I learn that more and more everyday..Wow!

Merlin’s death still fucks me up till this day I remember hearing about it when I was in the 7th grade after always watching him on the Steve Harvey Show and the Cosby Show Man R.I.P My Big Dawg Merlin Santana 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Damn. I heard he was shot and killed but never knew the backstory of what actually happened. So sad. He was very talented. RIP

They were like twins. I mistook one for the other this wholetime

I didn't know him and Brandon were friends. I'm sorry Brandon you had to lose your friend! Merlin didn't deserve to have his life cut short. 🌹 Merlin was a fantastic actor and beautiful young man.

His murder happened 2 blocks down on the same street my grandmother lives on. Smh. I remember when it happened. It still breaks my heart to this day. I used to have a crush on him when I was a young girl. RIP 🤴🏾

Back in 2002, I met Merlin in LA. The weird thing about this is that I saw him at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles, then Starbucks, and then Borders Books. This was a couple of months before he got killed. Very sad concerning his death.

I used to talk to Brandon Adams on the phone after school when we were kids. We used to call each other cousins. He lived in California (where I wanted to live since I was a child), and I was living in Massachusetts. We had some of the same friends who were in the music and acting industries. It's wild, I haven't talked to him in YEARS... We are grown up now. I actually (now as an adult) finally made it to Los Angeles to "become a star" like I always dreamed I would. 🥰 I am looking forward to crossing paths with Brandon again... to catch up and make sure he is good. I knew about what happened with he and Marlin years ago, but we lost contact back when I was in the 8th grade. I am pretty sure we will reconnect. My ancestors say we will. We never got the chance to take that trip to Magic Mountain that we tried to arrange as youngsters! ❤️❤️ I did not know Merlin, my heart goes out to his family; his loved ones. I believe the girl who was part of this set up should have gotten more time--despite her age. I am hoping that at the very least, she has grown and has learned a major lesson... and makes better choices. As far as Brandon, I am sending healing love and energy your way, my friend.

Here we are in the year 2023, and I'm just now hearing of this incident. I forgot all about both of these child actors whom I grew up watching in the '90s. Wow! I'm both shocked at what took place and saddened. My heart is heavy over something that happened over 20 years ago.😞Merlin was full of charisma and fun to watch on the Steve Harvey show. RIP. I hope Brandon is doing better as time has gone by.

I remember when he passed. 😔 🙏🏼

Happy Heavenly Birthday Merlin Santana March 14, 1976 - November 9, 2002.

They looked so similar. Both so handsome. RIP Merlin and best wishes Brandon

I just want to say thank you finally we are getting a complete story finally we got to see everyone involved finally there is clear understanding of what took place thank you again and the best friend was able to get his life back after going through this and I'm glad they caught everyone involved! Although the young lady still got of easy

This is why l am extremely cautious about people l get involved with.

This never gets old. Hopefully, we'll see Brandon pour his heart out about everything, one day.

I enjoyed both Brandon and Merlin's talents growing up, but was not aware they were friends. What happened to Merlin is why I hate lies, too many people lost their lives because of a lie. The girl who caused his end should have received life in prison, he should be here today.

I love how tasteful you were with explaining this unfortunate event!

Romeo and Bullethead Forever!

Certain things just never sit right with ya. I followed both Brandon and Merlin's careers from the beginning since they are only a few years my senior. I would rewind Brandon's musical number in Polly to learn every word and I wanted to be Merlin when he got the role as Rudy's boyfriend in The Cosby Show, just to get next to Rudy. I would have expected these two brothers to be leading men in films right now still in their 40s. RIP to brother Merlin and well wishes to Brandon in reclaiming his career. These brothers were two standout talents.

That’s so sad. Glad Brandon has the strength to continue. That’s traumatic af.

Seeing them together they don't look alike but I used to get them confused as a kid 🤦🏽‍♀️love them both RIP Merlin 😭

Wow, definitely two of my celebrity crushes in the 90’s. Didn’t know they were friends nor that Brandon was there for the shooting. I always heard the story that Merlin was shot by his girlfriend, so sad 😔

Very sad😢 he was a good actor I've watched him on Steve Harvey was he on hanging with Mr Cooper to?

I’ve always heard different versions about this story. Glad to finally hear the truth. RIP Merlin Santana.

Merlin Santana would’ve been a good Ralph Tresvant of New Edition

Chick was 15?! And with the intent to have them robbed costing this man's life over a lie....these kind of situations are exactly why I don't invite people that I just met to my home or anywhere around my folks.

sending so much love to Brandon. I couldnt imagine having to live w/ a memory like that SMH Rest In Peace Merlin ❤❤❤

RIP to our Brother 😑🙏…this case ALWAYS messed my head up. A fella that all the ladies loved❤, and all the fellas can relate to💪🏽. A talent gone but not forgotten!

His career catalog, is longer than some actors today.🙏🏿

I remember this like it was yesterday! Plus one of my good friend's son was killed that same day he was 19. My heart will be forever broken 💔🙏🏻 I always loved me some Merlin Santana❤️

Miss this dude so much. I grew up watching both of them. Made my childhood so special.

Rip Merlin miss seeing you act pray Brandon’s career keep going and he has peace

I had wondered what had happened to Brandon I use to have a big crush on him when I was a little girl. I didn't know him and Merlin was best friends but that is so sad of the passing of Merlin. Rest in peace Merlin 🙏🏾 I pray that Brandon is having some closure and that he's doing ok.

That is Hoyt-Schermerhorn train station in Brooklyn, NY. It's been used in movies for decades. R.I.P. to Merlin. Such a tragic loss.

God bless you for making this video❤

This is why I say study the people that you encounter. Study them like a final exam.

Thank you, thank you so much for this message Ladies🙏🏽. Growing through my spiritual journey, I often felt like I need to be control and for that reason God has “parked me”, in order to let go of things. It’s been difficult, but hearing messages like this helps me to continue to persevere in faith and know God is working on my behalf. I enjoyed hearing CeCe Winans spiritual guidance on this topic. Wishing you all love and many blessings🙏🏽💜

Sad,sad story I always wondered what happened to them exactly and now I know.Glad he lived to tell the truth of the situation and hope he can get back on track with his life.........

Beautiful man I'm glad u respected these young brothers I looked to both all my life it's wild man God Bless Everyone Take Care

Unbelievably sad. Grew up watching these guys. Much love everyone.

This is heartbreaking on so many levels. A talented brother killed senseless over nothing. So sad. May he Rest In Heavenly Peace.

this still makes me sad. it was a shame that these two men were affected like this. merlin shud still b wit us and I can even imagine wat Brandon feels

20 yrs on and we still mourn you young talented black male ⚫️

I still watch him on Steve Harvey show....RIP Merlin S...ur truly missed🙏🏾

Men like the Bible says be careful with the women you entertain

Absolutely devastating 😢 💔

Men please learn from this story , I mean look at how calculated she was and for what ! , I loved Merlin , he was so handsome and a good actor S.I.P 🤍🕊️. To Brandon I 🙏🏽that time has been kind to you & helped you to heal, loved you in Moonwalker 🥰.

Omg I always wondered what happened. So sad. Rest in peace. I pray Brandon finds peace on earth.

I could see Merlin playing “Adonis Creed” just as Michael B. Jordan did.

I just know how I would feel if I saw my best friend get shot! I pray that Brandon manages the best that he can. Rest in peace to Merlin. Peace.

Wow no wonder I haven't seen Brandon and Keshia together recently. Wow they still make a good couple romantically. Keshia should of married him the man she married looks exactly like Brandon Adams

I remember Brandon singing My Sweet Little Angel Eyes on Disney's remake of Pollyanna. I used to watch it all the time and I still sing it. It's nice to get an update about him

When you receive stardom and fame the life you had before must be altered. You can't run in the same circles and frequent the same places, jealousy and envy are the devils play ground. The death rate is higher amongst our black entertainers

This is breaking news because nobody explained this in its entirety

Merlin's little brother, the guy who played Bullet-Head on Steve Harvey and the host of Celebrity Underrated gave details about Merlin's personal life that I never knew. Now it seems like his murder was inevitable. To sum things up, his fearlessness often helped lead him to places where safety is heavily compromised. He was hanging out with the Yellow Top Crew on the east coast, in South Central on the west coast, and all the while, interacting with dangerous people more often than not (which even made Deon Richmond from The Cosby Show wonder). As a celebrity heart throb, trotting through the hood, it was only a matter of time.

I remember hearing about this story, I was so hurt

Crazy he played a high school student for 6 seasons

Mercedes should have at least been sentenced for manslaughter.

Once you leave the hood don't go back and if you're not from the hood don't go to it

Every time I hear about Marlon it hurts me so bad as if he is my closest family member may he rest in peace.

He had so much potential to be even more huge, RIP 🙏

I hate to admit this but I didn't know that the child star & the adult star were one and the same. Gone too soon...rest in peace Merlin Santana.

My head hurts how a woman always gets a lighter sentence and she clearly lied which how she got to the studio , she was on trash from start to finish smdh

He should of looked at her and known she wasn't about shit he shouldn't of never called that b

I just rewatched people under the stairs yesterday, and I looked up Brandon and totally forgot that him and Merlin were involved in a shooting that killed the latter,which is just so sad. RIP 🙏🏾 🕊

Rest on King. Never forgotten. 😔

Such a heartbreaking case! RIP to Merlin Santana. ❤

Man! I didn't know these two were best friends. I actually thought they were the same person. Lol smdh. It's so sad to find out what happened to Merlin. I'm glad to see Brandon's back in the game now, though.

I never forgot about this , RIP brother

So many people had died before their time after being connected to Brandy. Think about it…This young man, the guy who played Q on the show, the lady that played Andel on the show, Hakim on the show, Kobe Bryant took her to his prom back in 96’, she even murdered a old lady in a car accident, and she’s the reason Romeo from the group Immature wears an eye patch. I feel like I’m missing a few other ppl but y’all get my point

I remember when Merlin got killed 8 months or so after the Steve Harvey Show ended I was like damn man hard to believe it’s been 21 years 😢

Wow! This is crazy. I used to live directly across the street from Brandon back in those days. All this time, I never knew he was with Merlin during the shooting.

Very touching video and truly a gifted man taken far tooooo soon. Rip to the homie and big ups to the might ducks! Because I grow up watching him and Steve Harvey knowing both men are and their careers are in my memories. 💙🧿❤️