Florida's suspected 'Thanksgiving Day Killer' needs drugs to live

Florida's so-called 'Thanksgiving Day Killer' - Paul Merhige - wanted for the slaughter of his family - will need addictive prescription drugs to stay alive, says the U.S. Marshals' office, who placed him on the list of 15 Most Wanted.

WASHINGTON – The so-called “Thanksgiving Day Killer” – Paul Michael Merhige - who is the only suspect in a Florida family massacre will not be able to survive without obtaining a doctor’s prescription for medications he needs. The U.S. Marshals have added Merhige, wanted for the shooting murders of his twin sisters, one of whom was pregnant, his 79-year-old aunt, six-year-old cousin and the wounding of a brother-in-law and one other, to the 15 most wanted list of fugitives. Merhige is accused of carrying out the massacre in Jupiter, Florida on Thanksgiving Day when he was invited for dinner. But, the Marshals say he had plans – and he bought weapons just a few days before the bloody carnage. “Merhige was invited to, and attended a family Thanksgiving dinner in Jupiter on Nov. 26.,” said the Marshals office in a statement. “After dinner, Merhige left the house for a short period of time. When Merhige re-entered the residence, he reportedly began shooting the family members without provocation. Merhige immediately fled the scene in his blue 2007 Toyota Camry. “The callousness of Merhige’s calculated, vicious acts against his own family is unimaginable,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “We are fully committed to locating and apprehending this fugitive and making him answer for these horrific crimes. A Wanted Poster states: “Merhige harbors a strong resentment toward his family. Merhige is also known to have purchased four firearms in the month before the crime, including a Remington .308 rifle with a scope and bipod,” A reward of $25,000 is available for his arrest. The Marshals’ office said the suspect is addicted to Ativan and takes other drugs such as Chronumet, Seroquel and Atenolol. “Based on Merhige’s background, the above prescribed medications cannot be substituted by over-the-counter medications and sudden or prolonged cessation of any of his prescribed medication can result in adverse side effects including seizures and death,” said the announcement placing him on the list of most wanted. The presumption is that he will seek a prescription for these medications. Merhige’s profile suggests, according to the Marshals office, that he is “overweight, borderline obese and non-athletic; may be homosexual and/or effeminate and may frequent homosexual establishments; receding hairline; known to fake or display certain symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, including frequent bathing, shaving and difficulty making decisions; known to fake or display certain symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome including insomnia.” Merhige is a white male, five-foot-eight-inches tall, weighing 200 lbs. Merhige has an arrest warrant for four counts of first degree murder with a firearm (premeditated) and two counts of attempted first degree murder with a firearm (premeditated). Merhige is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have information about his whereabouts, contact your nearest U.S. Marshals office or call the Marshals 24-hour hotline at 1-800-336-0102.