Thanksgiving Day Shooting 4 Dead in Jupiter Florida - Manhunt for Paul Michael Merhige

Paul Michael Merhige age 35 of Miami, Florida opened fire on his family members after eating Thanksgiving dinner with them. He then fled the scene. U.S. Marshals have been enlisted in the search for Merhige.

Mirhige had been at the Jupiter home celebrating Thanksgiving with over a dozen relatives, he left for a while, and returned about 10 p.m. He entered the home and began shooting. He shot and killed his pregnant sister, two other relatives, and his 6 year-old cousin before getting in the car and speeding off.

The manhunt has broadened, as far as Birmingham, Michigan where Merhige may have spent time, police have issued a BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert for Merhige and the Royal Blue 2007 Toyota Camry with a rear spoiler - Florida License plate number W42 7JT - the car he is believed to be driving. Although, police say he has no known criminal past one source that knew Merhige said that he had a history of mental problems and suicide attempts.

Police spokeswoman Sally Collins-Ortiz said "The city has never experienced a slaying with so many victims."

The youngest victim, Makayla Sitton, had gone to bed before the rampage. The six year-old was suppose to perform Friday in the Holiday Production of The Nutcracker. The other victims include Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight, who authorities said was pregnant, 33 year-old twin sisters of Merhige. Raymonde Joseph, 76, an aunt.

Patrick Knight, the brother-in-law of Merhige, was in critical but stable condition at the hospital, and Clifford Gebara was grazed by a bullet.

There are no clear reasons reported yet explaining what drove Merhige to open fire on his family. Jupiter, Florida Police Sgt. Scott Pascarella stated, there had been ongoing resentment in the family, but did not go into detail.

That may or may not have something to do with Merhige's rampage. However, he shot and killed an innocent sleeping child, why would he resent a six year-old? The fact that he left, then returned and opened fire makes one believe he knew what he was doing, planned how he would do it, and followed through.

Please, take a good look at the photo above, jot down the description of the car and the license plate number. Be on the lookout for this dangerous person, and if you believe or think you have spotted him or the vehicle do not hesitate to report it to the authorities. They will do their job, and follow up.

It is saddening that a day of Thanksgiving had to end in a bloody fatal shooting that has claimed 4 lives. Palm Beach residents are stunned, which is understandable, but we must now do all we can to help the police catch Paul Michael Merhige to get him off the streets, and bring him in.

Sources:
Thanksgiving shooting in Jupiter leaves 4 dead, including pregnant woman - By Associated Press, November 27, 2009

Police continue manhunt for suspect in Thanksgiving Day Shooting - By David Quinones, Miami Herald, November 28, 2009

Family Slain After Thanksgiving Dinner - The New Zeland Herald