Burnt human remains found in a backyard bonfire are believed to belong to a young family of four who were allegedly murdered by their landlord.
Rain Mancini, 26, Phillip Zilliot II, 25, and their children Karma, 6, and Phillip III, 5, disappeared on June 12 in Pasco County, Florida.
Rory Atwood, 25, has since been charged with one count of first-degree murder after remains were found in his home that were charred beyond recognition.
The family was last seen in the Nottingham Trl area of Hudson on June 12 around 12:30 a.m.
On June 14, police conducted a welfare check on the family after a woman told officers that her brother had seen dead bodies during a FaceTime call with Atwood, ABC Action News reported.
Rain Mancini, 26, Phillip Zilliot II, 25, and their children Karma, 6, and Phillip, 5, disappeared on June 12.
Atwood had reportedly called the brother asking for help burning what he claimed was trash.
But during the call, the man allegedly saw “bodies of adults and children.”
When police first went to Atwood’s home in Hudson, she allowed them to search the property and found nothing suspicious.
The next day, police received a call from a man who claimed Atwood had “admitted to killing his roommates and his children,” according to an affidavit.
Only when officers returned to conduct a second search with cadaver dogs did they discover the remains.
A dog found what “appeared to be a small skeletal remains” with soft tissue in a campfire, according to USA TODAY.
They also reportedly found fragments of human bones and vertebrae.
“We believe it may be this family, but at the same time, I can’t give a definitive answer until… the (medical examiner) gives us final confirmation that it is,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said. Saturday.
Police in Florida charged Rory Atwood, 25, with first-degree murder after finding remains in his home.
Atwood told police she had gotten into a fight with the parents over a gun before their deaths, according to a criminal complaint seen by USA TODAY.
He reportedly said he had used “adrenaline” to drag their bodies to the bonfire.
Sheriff Chris Nocco said at a news conference: “Around 4:30 p.m. (Friday), our deputies observed Rory Atwood, we see him out there, he gives us permission to return to the property, which we began to do. do more”. extensive search.
‘We have humans who are still dogs, bloodhounds, aviation, deputies; Thanks to the search, we can find human remains.
“This, along with several confessions, is what led Rory Atwood to be charged with first-degree murder.”
Atwood told officers she had evicted the family on June 1 because they didn’t pay rent, and then they returned unexpectedly on June 12.
Police discovered the remains when they searched Atwood’s property with cadaver dogs.
The family was last seen in the Nottingham Trl area of Hudson on June 12 around 12:30 a.m.
Atwood had been renting her home to the family and claimed the father had entered her room with a knife and the two fought before the three adults fought over a knife and a gun.
During the fight, he said the parents were shot several times.
The remains have not yet been formally identified, so Atwood has only been charged with a ‘John Doe’ murder at the time of publication.
He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail.