Newly Released Court Document Reveals Disturbing Details in Investigation of Missing Family in Pasco County

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
17/06/2024 20h30

In a shocking turn of events, a recently released court document has unveiled chilling details in the investigation of the disappearance of an entire family in Pasco County, Florida. The document sheds light on the arrest of Rory Atwood, 25, of Hudson, who has been charged with murder after human remains were discovered on his property.

The missing family of four, identified as Phillip Zilliot II, 25, Rain Mancini, 26, and their two children, 5-year-old Phillip Zilliot III and 6-year-old Karma Zilliot, were reported missing on June 13. The Pasco Sheriff's Office initiated a welfare check after receiving a call from a concerned individual who had witnessed a disturbing video call.

During the video call, Atwood had requested the caller's brother to help him burn some trash. However, upon observing the scene through the call, the brother noticed a pool of blood and the bodies of adults and children. Subsequently, deputies visited Atwood's residence on Nottingham Trail in Hudson and spoke with the defendant who claimed that the family had walked away from his property on the evening of June 12.

Authorities initially found nothing suspicious during their search of the home and yard. However, they discovered an actively smoldering and smoking fire pit in the backyard. Just a day later, another call came in from an individual stating that Atwood had admitted to killing the family.

Further investigation revealed that the victims' belongings were found in Atwood's home, contradicting his claim that they had taken their items when they left. A cadaver dog was brought to the scene and recovered small skeletal remains from the fire pit. Forensic experts identified several fragments of human long bones, as well as apparent thermal damage, including two human vertebrae.

Detectives also noted a possible scent of chlorine on the front porch, leading to suspicions that attempts to conceal evidence had been made. Atwood, in conversation with one of the detectives, mentioned the possibility of finding horse bones on his property and made comments implying that human flesh would not decompose rapidly.

During the course of the investigation, authorities interviewed Atwood's acquaintances and uncovered revealing statements from his 4-year-old daughter. According to her account, Atwood had a confrontation with Mancini at his residence, and Phillip Zilliot II and their children were also present. Another close friend of Atwood and Phillip Zilliot II stated that he received a FaceTime call during which Atwood confessed to killing both adults.

To authorities, Atwood eventually confessed that he burned the bodies of the entire Zilliot family in the fire pit. He claimed that Phillip Zilliot II attacked him with a knife, while Mancini threatened Atwood's daughter. Atwood alleged that he shot Mancini multiple times with a gun during the struggle and then proceeded to shoot Phillip Zilliot II in the head. He maintained that the fire pit was started by the couple, not himself.

Despite Atwood's account of self-defense, investigators found no significant injuries on his body supporting his claims. The investigation also led detectives to believe that Atwood intentionally executed the murder of at least Phillip Zilliot II and/or Mancini and attempted to dispose of crucial evidence to conceal the crime.

As of now, the identities of the remains found in the fire pit have yet to be officially released, as authorities await confirmation from the medical examiner. Meanwhile, detectives continue to sift through the ashes of the fire pit while further charges may be pending as the investigation progresses.

This horrifying case highlights the chilling details that have emerged from the court document, offering a closer look into the fate of the missing family in Pasco County. The community remains in shock as investigators work tirelessly to uncover the truth and seek justice for the victims.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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