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Gunman Sought In Deadly Invasion Of Palmetto Home

ERIC HAUSMANN / News Channel 8

Neighbors watch as deputies collect evidence after a deadly home invasion on 6th Avenue East in Palmetto.

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By Chip Osowski / News Channel 8

Published: November 19, 2007

Updated: 11/19/2007 11:25 am

Crime Scene Photos | News Channel 8 Video

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is searching for the man who broke into a Palmetto home, pistol-whipped a 13-year-old girl and shot the girl's mother to death.

Investigators identified the victim as Machelle Brinson, 41. Today, friends and family gathered in front of her home to remember the mother of three who had worked for more than 20 years at the Tropicana Juice Plant in Palmetto.

   Machelle Brinson

"I was devastated," Vernice Johnson said. "My heart goes out to her kids, her family. Everybody loved her."

"I was so sad, I just lost it," another friend, Jacquelyn Thomas, said. "I saw her last night and the last thing she said is, 'I'll see you in the morning.' But that didn't happen."

Brinson's three daughters, ages 13, 15 and 19, said a man wearing dark clothing and a mask kicked in the front door of their home on Sixth Avenue East about 4 a.m. and demanded several items. Deputies would not elaborate.

The invader struck the youngest girl in the back of the head with a handgun, deputies said. She was taken to Manatee Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The man then fled the home and the teenagers called 911.

Deputies said the home invader may have targeted the home thinking somebody else was staying there. They have questioned the 19-year-old daughter's boyfriend and continue to gather evidence.

Stay with TBO.com for developments.

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