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http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/nov/27/four-killed-jupiter-thanksgiving-massacre-police-s/
JUPITER — Police are conducting a massive manhunt for a man who they say shot five people, killing four, at a Jupiter Thanksgiving gathering. Among the victims is a child, 6.
Suspect Paul Michael Merhige, 35, is believed to be driving a four-door, blue 2007 Toyota Camry with Florida license plate W42 7JT. Jupiter Police Sgt. Scott Pascarella said Merhige lives in Miami and is a relative of the victims. His last known address is 10301 SW 88th Ave., Miami.
The shooting happened at 104 Via Veracruz. Pascarella said the Jupiter Police Department received a 911 call from a neighbor shortly after 10 p.m. Police then received a second 911 call from someone within the residence. Pascarella said the shootings took place inside the house.
Seventeen people were inside of the residence at the time, many leaving after a family gathering at the home. The suspect apparently left the home and then returned. He then entered the residence and began shooting with a handgun, according to witnesses.
"What led to this incident, we're not quite sure," said Pascarella. "It did not appear there was any altercation prior to this shooting."
The suspect apparently left the home and then returned. He then entered the residence and began shooting with a handgun, according to witnesses.
The deceased victims have been identified as 76-year-old Raymonde Joseph of Jupiter, 33-year-old Carla Merhige of Miami, 33-year-old Lisa Merhrige of Miami, and 6-year-old Makayla Sitton of Jupiter, according to Pascarella.
Makayla is the daughter of WPTV NewsChannel 5's longtime photojournalist Jim Sitton. Both Jim and Muriel Sitton were in the home at the time, but were uninjured in the shooting.
Paul Michael Mehrige is the brother of two female victims. The fifth victim is 36-year-old Patrick McKnight, Miami, who police say is being treated at St. Mary's. He is in critical condition.
Jupiter police have also identified a sixth victim Clifford Gebara, who was also injured.
As a tribute to his daughter, and in the interest of helping raise awareness to find her killer, Jim Sitton spoke to colleagues from WPTV NewsChannel 5 and other media outlets early Friday morning outside of his home, where the murder took place.
"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.
Her father continued, "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."
Jim and Muriel spent the early hours of Friday with a minister.
WPTV's Vice President and General Manager, Steve Wasserman, released this statement:
"All of us here at WPTV are stunned and saddened by the death of Makayla Sitton and other members of her family. Her father, Jim Sitton, is a much beloved member of our news team. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his wife, Muriel.
An intense search is on for the east coast of Florida, according to the Jupiter police in efforts to capture the suspect. The U.S. Marshals Office, FBI and a host of other law enforcement agencies in Florida are assisting in the search.
If you have any information or have seen this vehicle please call 1 (800) 458-TIPS (2477).
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