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.
Crime
14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested
MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.
The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.
Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.
The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.
Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.
According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.
The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.
Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.