Two years ago, in Florida, three men committed a heinous crime. They murdered five people. Among those murdered was 19 year-old, Michelle Ann Nathan. Crime analysis showed that the victims did not put up a fight. They were all stabbed then beaten to death. The crime occurred around 1am—most of the victims were asleep. Slaughtering five people was not enough for these vicious criminals. They even killed two small dogs.

So what was the motive behind this shocking crime? A Xbox game. The case received significant media attention. As a result, the trial was moved to St. Augustine. The potential pool of jurors reached 960. The trial is expected to last a couple of months. The defendants are Troy Victorino (29), Michael Salas (20) and Jerone Hunter (20). The crew faces six counts of first-degree murder and five-counts of mutilating a dead human body—among other offenses.

The prosecution has already indicated that if these individuals are convicted, the death penalty will be sought. Apparently, the group of defendants had been squatting at the vacation home of one of the victims. The alleged ringleader, Troy Victorino, is a dangerous individual. He was already on probation for an attack on an individual. He beat his twenty-year old friend in the face with a walking cane. He was released on $2,500 bond.

The prosecution has one ace up their sleeve. His name is Robert Cannon. The nineteen-year old pleaded guilty last year to all charges brought against him. It was part of a plea bargain. For his cooperation, he will receive a life sentence—sparing him from capital punishment. It’s about time this incident comes to trial. On August 6, 2004 the gruesome murder took place and forever changed the lives of those involved.