Florida Xbox murders: Convicted killers request case separation ahead of death penalty sentencing | FOX 51 Gainesville

Florida Xbox murders: Convicted killers request case separation ahead of death penalty sentencing

The two men convicted of brutally murdering six people over an Xbox back in 2004 are now asking a judge to separate their cases. 

Earlier this year, a jury recommended that both men be sentenced to death for the killings. However, the lawyers of the two men are trying to change that decision. 

A Volusia County judge heard arguments on Friday from the lawyers of Troy Victorino and Jerone Hunter. The judge has yet to make a final decision.

Latest updates in the case

What we know:

A judge is continuing to consider a motion to separate the two defendants’ hearings before a death penalty sentencing. 

Hunter’s lawyers say he was intimidated by Victorino into joining, while Victorino’s lawyers argue he has a history of mental health issues.

This comes ahead of a "Spencer hearing" where lawyers of convicted killers can present additional evidence to the judge before a final death sentence is issued. 

The motion can be read in its entirety below:

What they're saying:

Hunter read a statement addressing the family members of those lost while in court on Friday, saying "I'm truly sorry for the pain, heartache and trauma. … I regret every moment of my actions that took your loved ones from you."

What's next:

While the jury recommended a death sentence, the judge ultimately gets the final decision. A date for the sentencing hearing was not immediately announced.

Deadliest mass murder in Volusia County history

The backstory:

Hunter and Victorino, along with two others, brutally killed six people at a home in DeLand in 2004. They were both convicted of first-degree murder. The case was the deadliest mass murder in Volusia County history. 

In May, a jury overwhelmingly recommended that Victorino and Hunter be sentenced to death in the 2004 murders of Erin Belanger, 22; Jonathan Gleason, 17; Roberto Gonzalez, 28; Francisco Roman, 30; Michelle Nathan, 19; and Anthony Vega, 34. 

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The year was 2004, and the crime came to be known as the "Xbox murders." Four men, Troy Victorino, Jerone Hunter, Michael Salas, and Robert Cannon were all convicted of the grisly killings. Deputies say they used bats and knives to kill the six roommates who shared the house, including Michelle Nathan.

The cases were known as the "Xbox murders" after law enforcement and prosecutors alleged that the motive behind the home invasion and subsequent killings was over an Xbox gaming console believed to have been stolen.

Police described the killings as grisly, alleging that all six people were brutally beaten with bats and stabbed with a knife. A dog was also killed.

Victorino and Hunter were sentenced to death in 2006. Michael Salas and Robert Cannon were sentenced to life in prison.

In 2018, Victorino's and Hunter's death sentences were nullified after Florida courts ruled that a jury had to be unanimous in its recommendation.

A resentencing trial began in 2023, but that same day, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law which allowed a jury to recommend a death penalty by an 8-4 vote, not unanimously. This caused an unexpected pause, which ultimately resulted in a mistrial.

A new resentencing trial started in April 2024 and ended May 5 with a non-unanimous jury again recommending the death penalty.

The Source: This story was written based on previous FOX 35 reporting as well as information obtained from Volusia County online court records and the court hearing on July 25, 2025.

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