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Three Dead in Port St. Lucie Neighbor Shootings as Hostage Recounts Ordeal

A neighbor who was held reports the gunman admitted the shootings, mentioning an eviction.

Overview

  • Port St. Lucie police confirm two neighbors were fatally shot and the suspected gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot, bringing the death toll to three.
  • Authorities identified the suspect as 62-year-old Paul Maraio, who lived in the Tropical East community.
  • Survivor Suzanne Rothermel says Maraio entered her home, took her phone and held her for hours before allowing her and her dog to leave, at which point officers pulled her to safety.
  • Rothermel recounts that the suspect told her he had been evicted and admitted to shooting the two men.
  • Investigators have not released the victims' names as the inquiry continues, and Rothermel is now staying with her sister.