Crime
2 Old Key Lime House members killed in shooting during Christmas party at Rock Irish Pub in Lake Worth Beach
Detectives worked swiftly, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, which led to the arrests of 23-year-old Morey Pinard III and 19-year-old Michael Vititoe on Wednesday.
A fatal shooting at a downtown Lake Worth Beach bar early Tuesday morning has claimed the lives of two men, injured two others, and resulted in the arrests of two suspects, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).
The shooting occurred around 1 a.m. on Dec. 10 at the Rock Irish Pub, located in the 600 block of Lake Avenue.
Deputies arrived to find a chaotic scene: two men dead inside the bar and two others suffering from gunshot wounds.
The victims have since been identified as 33-year-old Christopher Allen and 24-year-old Steven Stratis, both employees of the popular local restaurant Old Key Lime House.
Two additional male coworkers were wounded—one remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the other is reportedly in stable condition.
A witness, who identified herself as a coworker of the victims, described the evening as one that began in celebration but ended in tragedy.
“We were having our Christmas party at Lilo’s Streetfood and Bar earlier in the night,” she recounted. “Afterward, we crossed the street to the Rock Irish Pub to play pool. I stepped outside for a moment, and when I came back, I saw deputies arriving and two of my coworkers lying on the floor. One was in really bad shape, and the other was already in an ambulance.”
Detectives worked swiftly, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, which led to the arrests of 23-year-old Morey Pinard III and 19-year-old Michael Vititoe on Wednesday.
Pinard has been charged with:
- Two counts of second-degree murder with a firearm
- Two counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm
Vititoe faces charges of:
- Accessory after the fact to a homicide
- Simple battery
Both suspects are currently being held at the Palm Beach County Jail and are scheduled to attend their first court appearances Thursday morning.
According to investigators, the shooting stemmed from an altercation that broke out inside the pub. The situation escalated, leading to gunfire that left four men wounded and devastated the close-knit Lake Worth Beach community.
The Rock Irish Pub remains closed as detectives continue their investigation. Crime scene tape surrounds the area, and officers are canvassing nearby businesses for additional surveillance footage.
The PBSO has asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving the case.
“Christopher and Steven were well-loved in the community,” a local resident shared. “It’s heartbreaking that something like this happened during what should have been a joyful time.”
Authorities are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to contact Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers or PBSO directly. Anonymous tips are welcomed as investigators work to uncover the full details of this tragic event.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.