Paul Merhige (photo updated Oct. 2009)
It’s been three weeks today since the deadly Thanksgiving shooting that took the lives of four family members in Jupiter, FL. Investigators believe Paul Merhige is the one responsible for the murders, and he is charged him with four counts of first degree murder. I spoke with Sgt. Scott Pascarella this morning, and he says investigators from his region, including the United States Marshals and the FBI are all on board to tracking Merhige. They’ve received well over 180 tips, and 90% of those leads are exhausted. Authorities even searched the pond behind the house where the shooting took place three times looking for evidence. “We don’t want the fire to burn out,” Sgt. Pascarella told me. He also says Merhige is traveling with four weapons, two handguns and a .308 Remington Rifle, and one other unknown gun. None of the weapons have been located, and neither has the 2007 Blue Toyota Camry Merhige was last seen driving. Merhige does posses a concealed weapons permit, and investigators know the handguns were purchased weeks before the shooting, and the rifle was bought the day before. Just recently, throughout Miami, investigators canvassed new posters in Spanish and Creole throughout to the public. Sgt. Pascarella says, “We were surprised just how many people didn’t know about this case.” It’s going to take leg work like this to keep getting the word out. Right now, there are digital billboards in place as far north as Atlanta, Georgia, and throughout many main cities in Florida. Sgt. Pascarellea says a new billboard company just contacted them this week to offer some space on their billboards in other area.
BACKGROUND: Authorities say, this horrific event played out Thanksgiving night just after dinner. Cops say invited guest, Paul Michael Merhige, 35, left the house, and came back at 10 p.m. with a desire to kill. Some of the victims include his own innocent 6-year-old cousin who was sleeping in her bed at the time. Police say Merhige also allegedly shot and killed his twin 33-year-old sisters, and his 79-year-old aunt. Investigators have learned through a series of interviews that Merhige does have on-going resentment towards some of the family members, but no one can begin to understand why he would take the lives of these innocent victims. Police say 17 relatives were inside the residence when gunfire erupted. The youngest victim, Makayla Sitton was sound asleep in her bed when she was shot and killed, and Sgt. Pascarella says Merhige was there when Makayla’s parents put her to sleep in her room, he knew where she was sleeping. Makayla was the daughter of WPTV Journalist, Jim Sitton. Investigators say the other victims include Merhige’s own twin sisters, Carla Merhige, Lisa Knight, 33, and Raymonde Joseph, 79, Merhige’s aunt. Lisa was pregnant at the time she was killed. Authorities say two others were shot and wounded; Patrick Knight, Merhige’s brother-in-law, and Clifford Gebara, a cousin were taken to the hospital. Thankfully, both will survive their injuries, but according to Sgt. Pascarella, Patrick is still in critical condition. Clifford was treated and released on the scene.
Remembering Makayla
According to WPTV’s website, Jim spoke out at a press conference just after the murder, ”I just want to let everyone know that she’s in heaven; we know where she is, and that’s the only reason I can stand here today. God has blessed us with a beautiful little girl and he just took her home”, said Sitton… Makayla was a special girl. Six-years-old, played piano and sang. She was supposed to be in the Nutcracker ballet tomorrow at the Eissey theater… She was very excited about this. Tonight, when we put her down, I got to have a tender, special moment with her. She’s just, our life, and I don’t know how we’re ever going to recover. God packed a lot of sweetness into that little body, and it’s a tragic way to go, but we know where she is.”
Jupiter police released these ATM photographs of murder suspect Paul Merhige. They were taken at an ATM on November 22, 2009. If you look closely, you can see Merhige’s receding hair line, glasses, and stocky build.
Paul Merhige ATM
Earlier this month, Merhige was added to the United State’s Marshal service TOP 15 list. They say he could be using the aliases: Paul Maraige, Carlo Rabisi, or Michael Manis.
Based on investigators analysis, and according to a release by the U.S. Marshals, Merhige could be experiencing an increase in the following symptoms:
- Constipation
- Listlessness or Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Chest Pain
- Restlessness
- Shortness of Breath
They know he has taken, or needs to take (these medications cannot be purchased over the counter):
- Ativan
- Chronumet
- Seroquel
- Atenolol
Please contact Crimestoppers with any information: 1-800-458-TIPS
Tags: deadly, fbi, FL, jim sitton, jupiter, makalya sitton, most wanted, paul merhige, scott pascarella, thanksgiving murder, us marshal
Excellent ideas here, have emailed my mum so expect a big reply!!