380SL won't start (not even turn over) & battery always engaged even when key removed
 

This is my first merc (380SL - hand me down) and my car expertise is mainly working on old jeeps so forgive any "newbie errors" here.

Car was working fine until stopped starting. Here is what I am seeing:

1. Key turns past "3 position", but there is no sound. No sound of fuel pump, no sound of starter click, no sound and of course no turning over of the engine
2. Battery light is always on even when key is removed (I am disconnecting the battery in between troubleshooting steps to save power)
3. All power functions (lights, radio, etc.) operate even when key is removed
4. steering lock does not seem to be working (not locking when turned), but honestly I can;t recall if it did or not
5. (+/-), engine and other lights do not turn on when key is turned like I would expect when electrical start is engaged.

Here is what I tried to date:

1. replaced key cylinder thinking that jiggling in key was causing issue (no change in problem)
2. tried starting in N & P (no change in problem)
3. checked battery power -> battery has enough juice

Thoughts?

1. Should I be checking around the starter / solenoid, or
2. Should I be checking around the neutral safety switch, or
3. should I be looking at the fuses.

Thanks in advance for your help here.