Thanksgiving Day Shooter Paul Merhige Captured

Paul Merhige shot and killed four family members, including a 6-year-old child that was asleep in her bed, after having Thanksgiving dinner at a family members home in Jupiter, Florida. He fled the scene, and has been hiding out just three hours away from the crime scene, in the Florida Keys.

The tipster who called the hotline aired on America's Most Wanted said that Merhige had checked into the Edge Water Lodge Motel on Long Key, December 2nd, 2009, under the name John Baca, and has been staying there ever since.

News reports show the Toyota hiding under a car tarp outside the motel where it has been sitting since he checked in. Reports say that Merhige was very polite to the staff at the motel. He also kept a very low profile, stayed in his room, #14, not wanting any staff members to enter the room, paying large amounts of cash in advance for his stay. It was also reported, and shown in a photo of him in the police car, that he had shaved his head, and let his beard grow. Obviously, Merhige thought that he would not be caught because he wanted to pay for his room in advance up until February.

John Walsh had met with the Sitton's and family members, he vowed to help the family capture this killer, and bring this monster to justice. And it was shortly after the AMW airing of the Jupiter murders that authorities received the tipster's call.

There was a $100,000 reward for any information related to the capture of Paul Merhige, and it has been reported that the woman who made the call gave the tip that led to US Marshals and Florida authorities taking Merhige into custody, and she will recieve a much deserved reward.

This horrific massacre that happened in Jupiter, Florida where Merhige shot and killed his two twin sisters, an uncle, and his 6-year-old cousin has been a frustrating manhunt. America's Most Wanted and John Walsh has once again helped capture another dangerous criminal.

The family is relieved, and Jim Sitton has said that now he can sleep. Rick Reynolds, a family friend, also stated in an interview this morning on the news that the family was concerned about the possibility of Merhige returning, and causing more harm to other family members. Just yesterday Reynolds assisted in handing out flyers in Florida to that showed photos of Paul Merhige, and had the $100,000 reward posted on it.

Knowing that this armed and dangerous monster is locked up will hopefully bring closure for the family members, and also a sigh of relief to the community and public as a whole. There is no telling what Merhige may have been planning. I believe John Walsh said something along the lines of, you can run, you can, hide, but not forever.

On behalf of the family, thank you John Walsh for keeping your promise to help authorities capture Paul Merhige.

Source:
Miami-Dade Breaking News - The Miami Herald