A Florida man has been convicted of killing his parents and brother after they demanded he stop communicating with a woman whom he met on a pornographic webcam site, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
On Wednesday, jurors found Grant Amato, 29, guilty in connection with the January shooting deaths of his parents, Chad Amato, 59, and Margaret Amato, 61, as well as his brother, Cody Amato, 31.
Authorities reportedly alleged that Grant Amato had stolen more than $200,000 from his parents and brother to send to a woman named Silvie, a Bulgarian webcam model.
Amato also allegedly sold guns he stole from Cody and had taken out a $65,000 loan on the family’s house, all in an effort to present himself as successful and wealthy.
“Grant fell in love with a woman named Silvie,” Assistant State Attorney Domenick Leo told jurors during closing arguments, according to the Orlando Sentinel. “Not only did he fall in love with her, he became obsessed with her – to the point that she’s all that mattered.”
In December 2018, Amato’s parents reportedly became aware of the thefts and told him he had a choice to make: get treated for internet and porn addiction or move out.
Soon after, Amato’s parents reported him missing and told police they believed he was suicidal, telling authorities they were “100 percent convinced he will try to harm himself.” He reportedly had access to guns at the time.
Police later found Amato, who said he just wanted a break from his parents.
Amato later entered a treatment facility but did not complete it.
When he returned home, Amato’s parents prohibited him from contacting Silvie, and he also learned he had been kicked out of nurse anesthetist school.
Cody Amato reportedly told his girlfriend that he was concerned Grant would “kill everyone,” according to an affidavit filed in court.
Grant Amato disobeyed his parents and reestablished contact with Silvie. On January 24, Amato’s father reportedly confronted him about it and kicked him out of the house.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the family was found shot to death execution style the next morning.
Police told reporters that when they presented crime scene photos to Grant, they asked if he was remorseful. He responded that his family had blamed him for “ruining their lives,” “so he might as well be blamed for this too.”
Sentencing in this case resumes later this month. Grant Amato could be put to death.
Photos: [Silvie, Grant Amato, Seminole-Brevard State Attorney’s Office]