A Florida landlord is accused of killing a family of four and then burning their remains in his backyard fire pit.
Rory Atwood, 25, of Pasco, is charged with the murder of a family of four who vanished last week.
Authorities have been searching for Rain Mancini, 26; Phillip Zilliot II, 25; 6-year-old Karma Zilliot; and 5-year-old Phillip Zilliot III.
Deputies say Atwood admitted he burned their bodies, along with those of their two young children.
Court records obtained by The Tampa Bay Times show that the family had been living with Atwood on a 10-acre property.
An investigation was launched after a sister of Atwood's friend gave a tip to law enforcement officials.
The friend allegedly received a video call from Atwood asking for help burning trash, with a clear view of a puddle of blood and the bodies of adults and children in the background.
Police conducted a wellness check at the property but found nothing suspicious.
On Friday afternoon, deputies returned to Atwood's property, this time with a cadaver dog, who delved into the fire pit, unearthing small skeletal remains.
Forensic teams also uncovered "two apparent human vertebrae, all of which showed signs of thermal damage," according to the affidavit.
Atwood told law enforcement officials he had evicted the family on June 1 after they failed to pay rent.
Following an altercation with the family when they came to the home to collect their belongings, Atwood claims Mancini and Zilliot entered his bedroom and began attacking him with knives before a gun "suddenly appeared."
He said he and Zilliot fought for the weapon until Atwood shot Zilliot in the head twice and Mancini, who was shot in the head and torso,.
He did not reveal how the two children died, but he claimed that he suspected Zilliot and Mancini killed them.
"The defendant burned the two victims and evidence within the fire pit and repeatedly lied to patrol deputies and detectives," according to the affidavit.
He also "admitted to the knowledge that both juveniles were also burned in the same fire pit."
Atwood faces a first-degree murder charge and pleaded not guilty during his first appearance in court on Monday.
He is currently being held without bond at the Land O' Lakes Jail.
The Pasco Sheriff's Department said the bodies have not yet been positively identified as the investigation remains ongoing.
The family of the victims have started a fundraiser to raise money to bury them.
