SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Grant Amato stood emotionless Wednesday night as a jury announced they'd found him guilty of murdering his parents and brother. In less than two weeks the same jury will decide whether he is sentenced to life in prison or death.
The Seminole County man was found guilty of first-degree murder for the deaths of his parents, Margaret and Chad Amato, and his brother, Cody Amato, over a dispute involving $200,000 he spent on a Bulgarian web-cam girl.
The three were found dead in their Chuluota home in January.
In court Tuesday, Grant Amato's defense team argued investigators were always 100% focused on Grant, never considering any other possibilities or suspects.
>>Read more: Photos, videos show Bulgarian call girl involved with man accused of killing family
Defense attorney Jeff Dowdy said with the guilty verdict filed, his priorities have now shifted.
"My concern right now is to save my client's life," Dowdy said.
The penalty phase for Amato is scheduled to begin on Aug. 12. Jurors will decide whether Amato will receive life in prison or the death penalty.
Amato's surviving brother, Jason, did not comment as he left the courtroom after hearing the verdict.
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