An Oviedo man, accused of beating his father to death with what police say was an unknown blunt instrument, appeared in court Friday afternoon. 

  • Chandler Belston assigned counsel, next court date May 23
  • Accused of beating his father to death with a blunt instrument

Chandler Belaston, 34, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of his father, Jean Belaston.

In court Friday, a judge appointed him counsel and set his next court date for May 23 at 1:30 p.m. 

Oviedo Police were called at about 1:46 p.m. April 13 to the 1300 block of Harrison Street for a 911 call.

Detectives arrive to the scene and found Jean Belaston on the bedroom floor "with a pair of black pants covering his face," according to a news release.

There were large amounts of blood surrounding Belaston's body and a crowbar on the ground in close proximity.

"Portions of Jean Belaston’s face/skull had been crushed inward with an unknown blunt instrument," police said.

A medical examiner who performed the autopsy ruled the death a homicide. Police said the victim appeared to be beaten and slashed with a crowbar and possibly a machete. 

Joel Montilla said he went to high school with Chandler and says he was a state champ in wrestling. 

"Shocking in terms of my perspective. It's shocking to see him in cuffs and behind bars and in that situation," said Montilla. 

Montilla says Chandler was into MMA but was only involved with one fight in 2006.