Michael Salas

Mass Murderer

Michael Salas and the 2004 Deltona Massacre

Overview

Michael Salas was one of four men convicted of carrying out the Deltona massacre, a planned home invasion in which six people were murdered during the early morning hours of August 6, 2004. The killings occurred at 3106 Telford Lane in Deltona, Florida, and became one of the deadliest crimes in the history of Volusia County. Salas participated in the attack with Troy Victorino, Jerone Hunter, and Robert Cannon. The crime became widely known as the "Xbox murders" because the dispute leading to the massacre involved an Xbox video-game console and other belongings that Victorino claimed had been taken from him. However, the attack was far more than an impulsive confrontation over property. Prosecutors described it as a calculated act of revenge against Erin Belanger and the people living or staying inside her home. The victims were surprised while they were sleeping or relaxing and were attacked with baseball bats and bladed weapons.

Events Leading to the Murders

Before the massacre, Victorino and several associates had been illegally staying in a vacant house owned by Erin Belanger's grandparents. Belanger had moved to Florida in part to look after the property. After learning that the house was being used without permission, she contacted law enforcement and had the occupants removed. Belongings left inside the house were collected and placed aside. Victorino became enraged over the eviction and claimed that Belanger and her friends had stolen an Xbox, clothing, and other property from him. Witnesses later described Victorino as believing that Belanger had disrespected him. Investigators concluded that recovering the property was only part of the motive. Revenge against Belanger and others associated with her became the central purpose of the planned attack. In the days before the murders, Victorino gathered Salas, Hunter, and Cannon into the plan. The men considered using a firearm, but they reportedly lacked sufficient ammunition. They instead obtained a collection of baseball bats. Evidence presented during the investigation indicated that the group discussed striking people in the head and face. A store employee later told investigators that Salas participated in disturbing comments about the injuries the bats could inflict.

The Attack on Telford Lane

During the early morning of August 6, 2004, Salas, Victorino, Hunter, and Cannon entered the Telford Lane residence. Six people were inside: Erin Belanger, Francisco "Flaco" Ayo-Roman, Michelle Ann Nathan, Anthony Vega, Roberto "Tito" Gonzalez, and Jonathan Gleason. The attackers carried baseball bats and at least one bladed weapon. The victims had little opportunity to defend themselves or escape. Jonathan Gleason was reportedly sitting or lying near a recliner when the attack began. He was struck and suffered a fatal wound to his neck. Francisco Ayo-Roman was beaten with an aluminum baseball bat. Roberto Gonzalez was repeatedly struck in the head and stabbed in the torso. Erin Belanger was beaten to death inside the house. Anthony Vega was attacked in a bedroom and suffered severe blunt-force and cutting injuries. Michelle Nathan attempted to conceal herself in a closet, but she was discovered and killed. The attackers also killed Belanger's dachshund, George, during the invasion. The crime scene showed evidence of an extended and exceptionally violent assault. Blood was found throughout several rooms, and the victims suffered extensive injuries caused by repeated blows. Investigators recovered physical evidence connecting the attackers to the house, including bloody footwear impressions, weapons, clothing, and other items associated with the defendants. ...

Confirmed Victims: (6)

Michelle Nathan 19 yr old Male

Deltona massacre - Wikipedia