WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Morey Pinard III and Michael Vititoe, the two men accused of killing three people in a shooting at a Lake Worth Beach bar, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a new third murder charge. This charge was filed against Pinard following the death of Reginald Gordon, a kitchen manager at Old Key Lime House, who succumbed to pneumonia nearly three weeks after the shooting.
Pinard, who now faces three counts of second-degree murder, had previously been charged with attempted murder, shooting into a building, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. His co-defendant, Michael Vititoe, is accused of accessory after the fact and battery.
The deadly incident occurred on December 10 at The Rock Irish Pub, where four victims, including Gordon, were playing pool after an employee Christmas party. According to witnesses, an altercation began when Pinard and Vititoe bumped into a person, causing him to drop his camera. When asked if there was a problem, the suspects allegedly responded aggressively, leading to a confrontation. Vititoe reportedly punched the witness, and that’s when Pinard began shooting.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of Gordon, Christopher Allen, and Steven Stratis, while a fourth victim was injured. Surveillance footage from the bar and testimonies helped investigators piece together the events leading to the deadly altercation. After the gunfire erupted, the suspects fled the scene, with Pinard seen carrying what appeared to be a firearm.
Pinard’s charges have now increased to include three counts of second-degree murder.
