Police in Florida, say they've found human remains they believe belong to a missing Pasco County family. Rain Mancini, 26, Phillip Zilliot II, 25, Karma Zilliot, 6, and Phillip Zilliot III, 5, were last seen on June 12, 2024. A large-scale investigation was launched, hoping to find the family alive.
Sadly, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco announced in a press conference posted on Facebook on June 15, that he believed the remains they've found belong to the family, and that a suspect has been arrested and charged in the apparent four-person homicide.
Rory Atwood, 25, allegedly got into an altercation with the two adults and told police he shot them to death, according to a criminal complaint obtained by USA Today. Atwood reportedly told police it was a domestic dispute gone wrong, but pleaded not guilty to murder.
More from CafeMom: Arizona House Fire Claims the Lives of 5 Children While Dad Was Out Christmas Shopping
The four family members reportedly lived with Atwood before their disappearance.
After the family was reported missing, tipsters called the police and stated they believed Atwood may have had something to do with the family's sudden disappearance. Per the criminal complaint, police searched his property but didn't find anything suspicious.
Atwood would later explain to the police that Mancini and Phillip Zilliot II lived with him until June 1, when he reportedly evicted them for not paying rent. The accused killer told police the family came back to his home without a warning on June 12.
Phillip Zilliot II allegedly pulled a knife on Atwood.
He told police that Phillip Zilliot II came into his bedroom with a knife, and a physical altercation started. Mancini allegedly threatened another person with a knife, and the adults repeatedly struggled over a knife and a gun. Atwood allegedly told police he shot Phillip Zilliot II and Mancini multiple times in the head and torso.
Atwood reportedly did not tell police how the children died, but stated their parents must have killed them because he never saw them again after the dispute.
According to Fox News, Atwood admitted to police all four victims were burned in the same fire pit.
Atwood allegedly tried to conceal evidence.
Fox News reported that investigators recognized a strong chlorine odor at the home, which was presumably used to clean the crime scene. Atwood allegedly dragged the family of four and a couch out to the fire pit to destroy them.
"The defendant informed your affiant he didn't remember cleaning the interior of the residence, but if he did clean, then he would have disposed of the towels and/or cleaning items into the fire," the affidavit reads.
Atwood was charged with first-degree murder.
Despite his claim of self-defense, investigators believe Atwood committed premeditated murder. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder and is in jail without bond. Atwood pleaded not guilty.
Police said once the remains of the victims have been positively identified, more charges will likely be filed.
More from CafeMom: 3-Year-Old Boy Is Killed in Random Grocery Store Stabbing Leaving Behind Devastated Family
The victims' family created a GoFundMe.
Rain Mancini’s mother, Stephanie Mancini, created a GoFundMe to assist with the final expenses for her daughter and two grandchildren.
She wrote on the fundraiser page: "We are the parents of rain and the grandparents of karma, Philip and parents of rain Mancini they were just murdered on Nottingham in Hudson and we are seeking help from our community to deal with the tragedy that has just occurred we love our kids and our grandkids very much and can not believe this has happened and never in a million years thought we would have to plan a service for all four of our love ones especially our babies God bless everybody and thank you very much."
The family has raised $5,100 of a $6,000 goal so far.
