CHULUOTA, Fla. — A manhunt is underway after the bodies of three people were found in a home in Chuluota, Seminole County Sheriff's investigators say.

  • Deputies find 3 bodies in home after man doesn't show up for work
  • Investigators are looking for a white Honda Accord with custom plate
  • If you see vehicle, don't approach it but immediately contact authorities

The home is on Sultan Circle, which is off Fort Christmas Road, north of Lake Pickett.

Sheriff Dennis Lemma said Friday afternoon that the investigation began after 9 a.m., when one of three people didn't show up for work.

Three people in the home — a woman and two men — appeared to have been shot dead.

"It's a tragedy any way you look at it," Lemma said.

The Sheriff's Office late Friday afternoon released the name of a person of interest in the case: Grant Amato, 29. He may be driving a 1996 white Honda Accord DX with a personalized plate of L-1-G-H-7. Lemma said the car could be in the Orlando area near State Road 408.

The Honda was the only vehicle that was missing from the home Friday, Lemma said.

"It looks like the person who's responsible was known to the family, and we're going to do everything we can to ensure we get that person in custody very, very soon."

Amato shoudl be considered armed and dangerous, the Sheriff's Office said.

Weapons were found in the home, but Lemma said detectives think more weapons are missing.

"This is just a horrific experience for everyone, not only for family and friends, but for neighbors who live in this community," Lemma said.

If you see Amato or the Honda, Sheriff's officials urge you not to approach them — just call 911 immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seminole County Sheriff's Office at 407-665-6650 or anonymously through Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477. Callers are eligible for a $1,000 reward.

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma asks the public to be on the lookout for a white Honda Accord with a custom license plate. If you see the vehicle, don't approach it but instead immediately call 911. (Spectrum News 13)
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma asks the public to be on the lookout for a white Honda Accord with a custom license plate. If you see the vehicle, don't approach it but instead immediately call 911. (Spectrum News 13)