Triple murder suspect brought to tears after presented with photos of his dead family

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The prosecution rested its case Tuesday afternoon in the triple murder trial of the man accused of killing his parents and older brother inside their Chuluota home.

Prosecutors used a firearms expert with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to try and prove their claim that the missing murder weapon may be tied to bullets they say Grant Amato planted near his parents and brother after he killed them.  

Richard Ruth said three guns were found inside the home, but they were not used in the killings.  

When explaining the bullets that prosecutors say Grant Amato placed, Ruth said, ""Those projectiles were not fired from that firearm."

The defense questioned the expert's credibility in court and said the state has no proof.

Jennifer Sawyer said she lives near the Amato home and heard gunshots between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 24. Her statement matches the timeline of when prosecutors say Grant Amato shot his brother, Cody Amato, after he killed his parents inside the family's Chuluota home.

"I heard them one right after the other and I know that it was less than five shots fired," said Sawyer. "That was strange to hear gunfire at that time of night. It had been dark for hours." 
 

Grant Amato watched in tears as the medical examiner showed pictures of his dead family members and explained their injuries.

The defense asked the judge for an acquittal and said the state has not provided any physical evidence. The judge denied that motion.

Cody Amato's girlfriend, Sloan Young, testified that Cody talked to his family members at the time that prosecutors said they were dead. 

There is no word on whether Grant Amato will testify. The defense is still calling its witnesses. 

News 6 will be following the trial and will have updates on ClickOrlando.com.