It has been reported by Phoenix news website azcentral.com that the CEO of a major public traded company, Scottsdale based Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation (NYSE:MRX), has been involved in a series of tragic and suspicious circumstances in the last few days.  Today, his girlfriend was apparently found bound and killed in his mansion in San Diego, California.  Two days ago, his six year old son fell from a staircase at the same home.  This all according to the son's grandmother, Nancy Romano.

Jonah Shaknai started Medicis in 1988, which specializes in skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.  Last week, he sold 9 million worth of stock in the open market.  He is not only founder and CEO, but also the Chairman of the company.  As the first news story about a death in his mansion appeared, shares of Medicis were sold off in the after market at 38.90.  This latest news about the details from the son's grandmother will likely further spook investors in the morning.  The shares had initially reacted to a vague news story about a death of a "house guest" at the CEO's home.  Now, the story appears much worse and Medicis has no comment thus far.

Medicis shares are up 15% in 3 months and 64% in a year.  Analysts have a mean price target of $37.76.  Shares last traded at $40.05 before the news.