Family killed in Chuluota shooting identified, son still person of interest

Grant Amato release from investigative detention Sunday

CHULUOTA, Fla. – A mother, father and son have been identified as the three victims of a Friday shooting in Chuluota. The family's other adult son is still considered a person of interest in the case.

Chad Amato, 59, Margaret Amato, 61, and Cody Amato, 31, were found dead in their home on Sultan Circle in Chuluota Friday. Grant Amato, 29, was detained for questioning Saturday and was released from investigative detention Sunday.

According to officials from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Chad, Margaret and Grant Amato all lived at the home where the shootings occurred. Cody Amato lived in Orlando, though his exact address has not been released.

Grant Amato was found by deputies in a hotel Saturday after an overnight search. During the search, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said he suspected that Amato may be armed and dangerous.

Deputies said Amato is cooperating with investigators as they continue to gather evidence. Authorities "remain confident" the shooting was not random, according to a tweet from the Sheriff's Office.

Meantime, some neighbors are left confused, especially following Sunday's new twist.

Why this family was killed and who shot are a mystery. Deputies said they’re only saying the shooting was not random and that Grant Amato remains a person of interest, even though he has not been charged. 

Officials said they believed the victims were shot sometime between 10 p.m. Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday. Firearms were missing from the home but some guns were also found near the victims, according to authorities.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 6/ClickOrlando for updates.


About the Authors:

Jerry Askin is an Atlanta native who came to News 6 in March 2018 with an extensive background in breaking news.

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