Shooting at Florida Thanksgiving gathering kills 4
 

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From the BNO Newsroom.

JUPITER, FLORIDA (BNO NEWS) -- Four people were dead, including a young girl, after a family member opened fire at a Thanksgiving gathering in Florida's Palm Beach County on Thursday evening, officials said.

The shooting happened shortly after 10 p.m. EST at a residence in Jupiter, a popular beach town near the city of West Palm Beach.

Jupiter Police spokesman Scott Pascarella said seventeen people were at the home for a Thanksgiving gathering when the suspect opened fire. Pascarella confirmed four people had been killed, and a fifth person was injured.

The suspected gunman is identified as 35-year-old Paul Michael Merhige, a family member of the victims. Pascarella said six-year-old Makayla Sitton, the cousin of the gunman, was among the deceased. WPTV NewsChannel 5 reported that Makayla was the daughter of the channel's photojournalist Jim Sitton.

The other fatalities were identified as 76-year-old Raymonde Joseph, the aunt of the suspect, and two 33-year-old twin sisters. The twins were identified as Carla and Lisa Merhige of Miami.

The 37-year-old brother-in-law of the suspect, identified as Patrick McKnight of Miami, remained in hospital with serious injuries. "He is being treated at a hospital but is expected to survive," Pascarella said.

Officials say the suspect is believed to be driving a four-door, blue 2007 Toyota Camry with Florida license plate W42 7JT.

Anyone who may have information about the case, or saw the suspect or his vehicle, is asked to contact authorities.

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