PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is investigating a possible homicide following the discovery of human remains, which may be connected to the recent disappearance of two adults and two children.
The missing persons case, opened on Thursday, involves Rain Mancini, 26, Phillip Zilliot, 25, Karma Zilliot, 6, and Phillip Zilliot III, 5. The Sheriff's Office reported that the remains were found at the residence of Rory Atwood, who has since been arrested and charged with first-degree homicide.
Sheriff Chris Nocco detailed that the missing individuals were last heard from between Wednesday night and Thursday morning while they were staying with Atwood. Sheriff Nocco mentioned the family's transient lifestyle, moving frequently, and said an argument at Atwood's home might have led to the tragic events.
An initial tip from an acquaintance of Atwood indicated that Atwood had confessed over a frantic phone call to having shot someone. Following this lead, detectives conducted an initial search of Atwood's property but found nothing.
By Friday afternoon, after contacting the extended family of the missing persons who confirmed no contact with them, deputies returned to Atwood's property. A more thorough search led to the discovery of human remains.
The remains are currently with the medical examiner's office for identification, as it is still unclear how many individuals' remains were found. Sheriff Nocco emphasized that the case remains open until all missing persons are accounted for.
Sheriff Nocco expressed deep concern over the situation, particularly regarding the two children, stating, "It's heartbreaking. We believe they may be on the property deceased, but we do not know that definitively. We'll do everything we can to track them down. We pray to God they're alive somewhere, but at the same time, for that family, we need to find closure and justice."
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance with the ongoing investigation. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rain Mancini, Phillip Zilliot, Karma Zilliot, or Phillip Zilliot III is urged to contact the Pasco Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7, or report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips.
Stay updated with this developing story and other local news by visiting the West Pasco Community Website and following us on Facebook and X.
