Police arrest suspect in Fla. Thanksgiving killings of 4 family members

Arrest made in Fla. Thanksgiving killings

WESTON, Fla. — A Florida man suspected of killing four family members in a Thanksgiving shooting was arrested Saturday in the Florida Keys, authorities said.

Jupiter Police Sgt. Scott Pascarella said Paul Merhige was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies late Saturday at a motel in Long Key.

Pascarella said in a news release that the officers received a tip that Merhige was in the area and took him into custody without a struggle.

The 35-year-old Merhige had been the subject of a massive manhunt that included a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Pascarella credited coverage of the case on America’s Most Wanted with helping lead to the apprehension.

Merhige is accused of killing his twin sisters, aunt and 6-year-old cousin on Thanksgiving Day at a gathering in Jupiter.

Investigators said Merhige planned carefully, taking clothing, cash and a computer hard drive before the killings.

A news conference was planned for later Saturday on the case.