Florida: Missing Family Found Burned in Friend's Property

A recently disclosed court document has brought to light harrowing new details in the investigation into the disappearance of an entire Florida family in Pasco County.

The unfolding events have captured widespread attention and concern in the community, revealing a tragic and deeply unsettling series of events, News Channel 8 reports.

The Pasco Sheriff's Office made a grim announcement on June 15, revealing the arrest of the Florida man Rory Atwood, a 25-year-old resident of Hudson, on a murder charge.

This development came shortly after human remains were discovered on Atwood's property.

The Florida family in question were identified as Phillip Zilliot II, aged 25, Rain Mancini, aged 26, and their two young children, 5-year-old Phillip Zilliot III and 6-year-old Karma Zilliot, all of whom had previously lived with Atwood.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco expressed cautious optimism about identifying the remains pending confirmation by the medical examiner.

The investigation was triggered by a welfare check request on June 13, prompting deputies to respond swiftly to the unfolding tragedy.

Detailed Account of Events

According to a criminal complaint affidavit, the investigation began when a concerned caller reported an alarming scene observed via video call with a Florida man.

The caller's brother had noticed a pool of blood and the bodies of adults and children during the video interaction, prompting immediate action from law enforcement, according to People.

Upon arriving at Atwood's residence on Nottingham Trail in Hudson, deputies initiated discussions with Atwood, who claimed to have last seen the Florida family walking away from his property on the evening of June 12.

Initially, nothing suspicious was found during the first search of the home and yard.

However, a subsequent discovery of a smoldering fire pit in the backyard raised significant concerns among investigators.

Conflicting Statements and Allegations

The investigation into the deaths of the Florida family took a disturbing turn with new evidence implicating Atwood.

Initially, Atwood claimed the family had left his home weeks earlier after eviction for rent non-payment. Still, their belongings were found, contradicting his statement.

Forensic examinations revealed human bone fragments with fire damage, suggesting foul play.

Cadaver dogs detected remains at a fire pit, and a chlorine scent hinted at evidence tampering.

Florida man, after initially denying involvement, later confessed to a violent altercation resulting in fatal injuries,

However, authorities found inconsistencies in his self-defense claim against Phillip Zilliot II.

Atwood faces first-degree murder charges with further legal actions pending.

Florida man with a criminal record since 2016 faced charges for fleeing law enforcement at 17.

At 18, he had injunctions filed against him for stalking his girlfriend's parents, which were later dismissed.

In 2019, he received probation for battery at a Hudson Circle K, Tampa Bay noted.

The community of Pasco County mourns and is awaiting conclusive findings from ongoing investigations.

The case highlights the impact of domestic disputes and violence on neighborhoods, with law enforcement committed to uncovering the truth and delivering justice for the tragic loss of the Zilliot family.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Human remains found amid search for Florida family - From FOX 13 Tampa Bay