The parents of Thanksgiving killer Paul Merhige have filed a countersuit against the parents of a 6-year-old killed in the attack.
Michael and Carole Merhige filed a wrongful death counterclaim last week against Jimmy and Muriel Sitton in Palm Beach County, the Merhiges' attorney said Tuesday.
The lawsuit claims the Sittons "knew and were well aware of Paul Merhige's mental health condition and issues, including any dangerous behavior, anger issues, prior violence, living conditions and financial arrangements" before he showed up at the 2009 holiday dinner at the Sittons' Jupiter home and opened fire.
Killed in the rampage were Merhige's sisters, Carla Merhige and Lisa Merhige Knight, aunt Raymonde Joseph, and Makayla, the Sittons' 6-year-old daughter.
Last month, Paul Merhige pleaded guilty to the murders in exchange for seven consecutive life sentences, which allows him to avoid the death penalty.
The countersuit claims the Sittons are responsible for letting Merhige into their home. It also claims defamation by Jimmy Sitton, for statements he's made about them in the media that caused "mental suffering and anguish, impairment and injury to reputation and standing in community and personal humiliation," the lawsuit said.
The lawsuit also names Raymonde Joseph's husband, Dr. Antoine Joseph, Carole Merhige's brother. It claims Dr. Joseph had been Paul Merhige's physician, was aware of his prior and violent and dangerous behavior, and had even warned in the past that Merhige may hurt someone.
"As a result of counter-defendant, Antoine Joseph, M.D.'s, medical training and doctor/patient relationship with Paul Merhige, he was in a unique position to understand and be aware of any dangerous and violent behavior of Paul Merhige," the lawsuit said.
An attorney for the Sittons and Joseph didn't return calls for comment Tuesday.
In September, the Sittons filed a lawsuit against the Merhiges, claiming they should have known their son would go on the shooting spree. A similar lawsuit was filed by Patrick Knight, Lisa's husband, who was also wounded in the shooting but survived.
