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For Immediate Release

 Contact:
December 03, 2009 Southern District of Florida - Ft. Lauderdale (954) 356-7256;
USMS Headquarters Public Affairs (202) 307-9065
Search Continues for Florida Homicide Suspect

Paul Michael Merhige (Captured)On November 26, 2009, Paul Michael Merhige was invited to a family Thanksgiving dinner at 104 Via Veracruz in Jupiter, Florida where he open fired with a handgun on unsuspecting guests.  The investigation revealed that Merhige had a strong resentment toward several family members.  During the evening, Merhige exited the residence and returned a short time later with the weapon. After Merhige re-entered the residence, he proceeded to shoot the victims without warning or provocation, killing four and wounding two. 

 

Among the deceased are Merhige's sisters; Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight (who was pregnant), an Aunt; Raymonde Joseph, and a six year old cousin, Makayla Sitton. Merhige immediately fled the scene in his 2007 blue four-door Toyota Camry 4-door, bearing Florida license plate #W427JT.  The investigation has revealed that Merhige planned his escape and means of avoiding law enforcement detection after the crime.  He is surviving off of cash (ATM photos below) and has not re-contacted any associates using any know phones numbers or e-mail.

Profile: Based on investigative analysis, the public is asked to be watchful of the following characteristics of Merhige:

  • overweight, borderline obese and non-athletic;
  • may be homosexual and/or effeminate and may frequent homosexual establishments;
  • receding hairline;
  • known to fake or display certain symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, including frequent bathing, shaving and difficulty making decisions;
  • known to fake or display certain symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome including insomnia.

State of Health: Based on investigative analysis, Merhige is most likely experiencing a severe increase in the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Listlessness or Lethargy
  • Insomnia
  • Chest pain
  • Restlessness
  • Shortness of breath

Previous medications:

  • Ativan
  • Chronumet
  • Seroquel
  • Atenolol

Based on Merhige's background, the above prescribed medications cannot be substituted by over-the-counter medications and sudden or prolonged cessation of any of his prescribed medication can result in adverse side effects including seizures and death.

Merhige is wanted on four (4) counts of murder and is now a major fugitive case for the U.S. Marshals Service. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Merhige. If anyone has information concerning Paul Michael Merhige, please contact the Jupiter Police Department at (561) 746-6201, your local law enforcement agency or Crime Stoppers’ anonymous "TIP" phone number, 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).

Paul Michael Merhige Paul Michael Merhige Paul Michael Merhige

   Additional Photos

   Captured News Release

For more information about the U.S. Marshals Service, please visit www.usmarshals.gov.