Paul Merhige Has Been Captured

Last night I was watching America's Most Wanted. For years I seldom missed an episode but as time went by I eventually did stop watching. I suppose I parted ways with the show when it was no longer on one of the big three stations and word of John's affair came out into the news. As a matter of fact I honestly didn't realize that it was still on the air.

One of the segments that was featured was about Paul Merhinge. Police say Merhige shot and killed his 33-year-old twin sisters, Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight (who was pregnant), both of Miami, along with his aunt Raymonde Joseph, 76, and his young cousin Makayla Sitton.

You could tell that the story of the brutal murder of a six year old really effected John, who lost his beloved son Adam at the same age. He told them not blame themselves and reminded them that there was only one person who is to blame and that is the monster who killed their beloved daughter. You couldn't help but be effected too as you watched video of Makayla Sitton singing what appeared to be a Christmas song.




Merhige sat through three hours of dinner and sing-a-longs around the piano before the shootings, Sitton has said. There were no arguments, warnings or red flags before the rampage.

Authorities have said Merhige carefully planned the killings. Sitton has said Merhige was heard saying after the shootings that he had waited 20 years to kill the relatives.

My husband looked at me and said, "This case is a case that the death penalty was made for." As the video of the little girl singing flashed on the screen, I couldn't help but agree.

Jupiter Police Sgt. Scott Pascarella said that Paul Merhige was arrested without a struggle Saturday night at a motel in the Florida Keys. Pascarella credited the TV show "America's Most Wanted" for the tip that led to Merhige's capture on Long Key.

According to US Marshals, Merhige was on his computer when U.S. Marshals and local deputies entered his motel room.

Authorities said Merhige checked into the motel in Dec. 2, using the name "John Baca" and a false Homestead address. He had the same blue 2007 Toyota Camry that had been a key part of the manhunt, but police said it was hidden with a covering at the Keys motel.

He faces four counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder in the shootings, which also injured two other people.

There was no indication Saturday that Merhige had an attorney. Authorities said he was being taken to the Palm Beach County jail.

This capture reminded me again why I always loved America's Most Wanted. In a society that proudly announces "Don't Snitch" I'm glad that there are some people out there who will help authorities and society by helping authorities.