News Details (Posted: January 19, 2010):

Thanksgiving day murderer (Jupiter, Florida) behind bars & the South Florida community who helped

Full Description:

“Justice denied anywhere diminishes justice everywhere.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thank you to America’s Most Wanted, (who will be sharing an expose today) and the amazing South Florida community for joining together to do everything possible to help put the killer accused of the Thanksgiving day murders in Jupiter, Florida behind bars. The month long man hunt came to an end in the Florida Keys when the accused was spotted and a call was made to the authorities, all thanks to the help of the phenomenal TV show developed by Mr. John Walsh, who also lost his 6 year old son to a murder.

Paul Michael Merhige, a 35 year old male from Miami, Florida was the suspect in the multiple murders of twin sisters, Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight, 33, his 76 year old aunt Raymonde Joseph and his 6 year old cousin Makayla, who he shot while she was asleep in her bed. It makes us think, what kind of person would commit such a heinous act? A tragedy such as this creates fear and anxiety in all of us, whether we knew the victims or not, of what could suddenly happen at any moment to change our lives forever.

The manhunt for this murderer may be over; however the affects that the crime had on the family members, their friends and even those who knew the families from work or elsewhere will continue on for a lifetime. Without doubt, the residual affects of grief, fear, anxiety and possible depression over these great losses will remain present and strong; however, counseling and continued support from the South Florida community can help.

There is so much to be said for the incredible outpour of compassion and loyalty which came from family, friends and neighbors in South Florida who showed what true loyalty and compassion was when everyone joined together to do everything possible to help in the capture of Merhige. For one solid month, the community refused to give up the fight to get justice and they finally got what they had been looking to find, although justice will never bring back the loved ones lost. We shall always remember the victims of this crime as we try to move on from the tragedy. February 1st, may bring some more added peace as Merhige receives his sentencing.