Man claimed he acted in self-defense, but actually he mercilessly killed his neighbors and their young children before throwing their bodies in a fire pit

Florida – A Florida man, identified by authorities as 25-year-old R. Atwood, faces four counts of first-degree murder after allegedly killing a family of four and attempting to conceal their bodies in a burn pit on his property. This discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and raised serious concerns about the lengths to which online disputes can escalate.

The incident began unfolding in the early hours of June 13, when deputies responded to Atwood’s home following a welfare check initiated due to a concerned call from a member of the family. The caller said they had  received a FaceTime video that appeared to show the lifeless bodies of both adults and children.

According to reports, Atwood, who lived on a secluded 10-acre property, had an online altercation with P. Zilliot, which tragically spilled into real life. This argument allegedly led Atwood to commit the harrowing acts against Zilliot, his partner R. Mancini, and their two young children, 6-year-old Karma and 5-year-old Phillip.

Deputies first visited Atwood’s property on June 13, observing a smoldering burn pit but finding no immediate evidence of foul play. It was not until further testimony and a more thorough search were conducted that the horrifying reality came to light.

One of Atwood’s friends informed the investigators that he had received a call to bring bleach to Atwood’s house. Upon his arrival, he noticed signs of cleaning and was later shown by Atwood the bodies near a firepit. Atwood initially made up a story about acting in self-defense after Mancini and Zilliot attacked him, claiming that they had killed their children. However, the friend later disclosed to authorities that Atwood admitted to shooting the young boy as he convulsed in pain, an act he justified by feeling sympathy for the child’s suffering.

When authorities revisited the property with a cadaver dog, they discovered remains of human bones and a child’s foot within the debris of the fire pit, confirming the friend’s gruesome tale. Further investigation revealed that the fire was intensely fueled by materials like steel threads from tires, indicating a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence.

Initially, Atwood denied any involvement in the deaths or cremation of Mancini, her husband, and their children during his conversation with investigators. However, he later revised his statement, alleging self-defense. He claimed that during a confrontation, Mancini and Zilliot threatened him with a gun and a knife. According to the affidavit, Atwood contended that Zilliot had ignited the fire, and after fatally shooting him and Mancini, he placed their bodies in the pre-existing blaze. Despite these claims, deputies observed no physical injuries on Atwood indicative of such a conflict.

Regarding the children, Atwood initially blamed their deaths on their parents. Ultimately, he confessed that all four family members were burned in his fire pit, according to police reports. Atwood is currently being held without bond in jail.