Thanksgiving turns deadly: 4 shot dead at family party in Florida

The reports claim that the man killed four relatives, including a child, and injured another during the family gathering for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Deadly Thanksgiving
The Associated Press reported that 17 relatives were inside the home Thursday evening when the tragedy took place.

Cops told AP that the family and relatives had settled down for Thanksgiving dinner in Florida’s Palm Beach County when the suspect opened fire, leaving three adults and a child dead.

Thanksgiving fatalities
Among those confirmed dead are six-year-old Makayla Sitton, the cousin of the gunman; 76-year-old Raymonde Joseph, the aunt of the suspect; and 33-year-old twin sisters Carla Merhige and Lisa Merhige of Miami.

The injured person is identified as 37-year-old Patrick McKnight, brother-in-law of the suspect. McKnight of Miami remained in hospital with serious injuries. “He is being treated at a hospital but is expected to survive,” Jupiter Police Department spokesman Scott Pascarella said.

Pascarella said shootings were reported around 10 p.m. in a residence in Jupiter, a popular beach town near the city of West Palm Beach.

“What led to this incident we are not quite sure. It did not appear there was any altercation to this shooting.”

Hunt is on
Pascarella said that they are on the lookout for a Paul Michael Merhige, 35, of Miami, who is believed to be a family member of the victims. A hunt was also on for a few other members who are reportedly absconding since the tragedy.

The suspect gunman is reportedly driving a four-door, blue 2007 Toyota Camry with Florida license plate W42 7JT.