JUPITER, FL -- Police are conducting a massive manhunt for a man whom they say shot six people, killing four, at a Jupiter Thanksgiving gathering.
Among the victims is the six-year-old daughter of a WPTV photojournalist.
The police manhunt has extended to Michigan. Police in Birmingham, Michigan have issued a 'Be On The Lookout' bulletin, or BOLO for suspect Paul Michael Merhige. According to WXYZ TV Merhige may have lived in the Birmingham area for a short time within the past year or so, and may have seen a doctor there.
Merhige, 35, is believed to be driving a 4-door royal blue 2007 Toyota Camry with Florida license plate W42 7JT, according to Jupiter Police Sgt. Scott Pascarella. Merhige's last known address is 10301 SW 88th Avenue, Miami.
Pascarella said that 17 relatives were in the house when the shootings were reported around 10 p.m. Thursday at 104 Via Veracruz in Jupiter.
Police investigators are expected to be back at the crime scene Saturday.
Merhige is considered armed and dangerous. He reportedly bought two handguns and a rifle in the weeks leading up to the shootings.
Makayla Sitton, the six-year-old victim, is the daughter of WPTV photojournalist Jim Sitton and his wife, Muriel. According to Jim Sitton, Makayla was in bed when she was shot.
The others killed were all women. They were named as Raymonde Joseph, 76, Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight, who was pregnant. The two women were 33-year-old twin sisters, and sisters of Paul Merhige.
A fifth victim, Patrick Knight, was being treated at a hospital. His pregnant wife Lisa was killed in the shooting rampage. Also injured was Clifford Gebara, who was grazed by a bullet.
Pascarella says the shootings took place inside the house.
"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.
Both Jim and Muriel Sitton were in the home at the time, but were uninjured in the shooting.
If you have any information or have seen this vehicle please call 1 (800) 458-TIPS
