A Florida man has admitted to killing four members of his family during a violent attack that shocked a local community and left two children alive.
Domenico Gigante pleaded guilty to multiple charges connected to the deaths of four people at a home in Canaveral Groves, Florida, in March 2023. The case has returned to public attention as prosecutors pursue the death penalty and sentencing approaches.
Child’s Video Call Helped Trigger Emergency Response
Authorities said a young child inside the home made a video call during or shortly after the deadly attack. The child reportedly told the person on the other end of the call what had happened, prompting that individual to contact emergency services.
The call helped authorities learn that something serious had occurred at the residence. It was not immediately clear which of the surviving children made the video call.
Two children, ages 6 and 9 at the time, survived the attack.
Four Family Members Killed in Canaveral Groves Attack
The victims were identified as 15-year-old Kiara Terwilliger, her mother Constance Terwilliger, 63-year-old Glenda Terwilliger, and 36-year-old Michael Watson.
Investigators said the attack took place during the early morning hours of March 1, 2023, when several people inside the home were asleep.
Gigante, who was Kiara’s father and Constance’s former partner, was arrested following the killings. Prosecutors alleged that he entered the home and carried out the deadly attack in a planned and deliberate manner.
Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty After Guilty Plea
Gigante, 40, has pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree premeditated murder and an additional burglary-related charge involving death or bodily harm.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, pointing to several aggravating factors, including the number of victims, the alleged premeditated nature of the crimes, and the fact that one of the victims was his teenage daughter.
Authorities had previously described Gigante as having a history of violent behavior. Court records also show previous cases involving animal cruelty and assault-related allegations.
A sentencing decision is expected later in 2026. The case remains one of the most disturbing family homicide cases in recent Florida history, particularly because of the actions of the child whose video call helped bring the unfolding tragedy to the attention of authorities.
