Today (Feb 14), Assistant State Attorney Stewart Stone filed a Notice that the State intends to seek the Death Penalty in the prosecution of Grant Tiernan AMATO (29); pursuant to FS 782.04(1)(b).

The case qualified for capital punishment after the Seminole County Grand Jury indicted AMATO for the First Degree Premeditated Murders of his father Chad Amato, (59); mother, Margaret Ann Amato, (61); and brother Cody Amato, (31); at their family home at 2112 Sultan Circle in Chuluota on February 12, 2019.

The decision to seek the death penalty came after careful consideration of the evidence that proves AMATO acted in a "cold, calculated and premeditated manner, without any pretense of moral or legal justification." A second aggravating factor is listed as a prior conviction for a felony offense that involved the threat or use of violence toward the victim(s). A conviction for any of the murders charged in this case, qualifies as a prior conviction and can be used as an aggravating factor in a subsequent death penalty sentencing phase. 

Notice of Intent to Seek the Death Penalty

Todd Brown
Public Information &
Communications
(321) 617-7310

Office of the State Attorney
18th Judicial Circuit
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson
Way Building D
Viera, Fl. 32940