‘It was gruesome. It was gory’: Married couple charged with brutally killing 4 members of their own family on the same property where they all lived

In a shocking and horrific case out of Anderson County, South Carolina, a married couple—Amy Vilardi, 40, and her husband Rosmore “Ross” Vilardi, 36—have been charged with the brutal murder of four of their own family members on the property where they all lived. The couple faces four counts of murder after authorities described the crime scene as one of the most gruesome they have ever encountered.

On or around Halloween night of 2015, Amy and Ross allegedly attacked four relatives living on adjacent trailers on the same property in Pendleton. The victims included Amy’s mother Cathy Scott (60), stepfather Michael “Mike” Scott (58), maternal grandmother Violet Taylor (85), and step-grandmother Barbara Scott (80). According to law enforcement, the victims suffered horrific injuries—several had their throats slit before being brutally shot, and at least one was stabbed in the chest while still alive.

Despite the case drawing national attention at the time, the Vilardis were not officially charged until December 2023. In March of that year, authorities named them persons of interest, prompting further investigation. After evidence was gathered, both were arrested and booked on four counts of murder without bond. Their preliminary court appearance was scheduled for February 2024.

Prosecutors have hinted that financial troubles may have played a role in the killings. Investigators recovered nearly $68,000 from a safe in Amy and Ross’s trailer—significant money for a couple who were reportedly struggling to keep up with car payments and rent on a building used for their small business. That cash discovery heightened suspicion, suggesting a possible motive tied to inheritance or financial gain, though no official motive has been confirmed in court.

When first interviewed following the murders in 2015, Amy appeared distraught—calling the victims “wonderful people” and expressing confusion at the tragedy. The community of Pendleton, a rural town of roughly 3,500 residents, was rocked by the violence. Sheriff McBride emphasized the long delay in charges had been difficult for everyone, saying, “God bless this family. They have been through so much and they have waited so long”.

Residents recalled police warning neighbors and urging patience as new leads emerged over several years. Some speculated internal division among surviving family members contributed to the delay in solving the case, including a settlement over stolen assets reached in 2021.

The Vilardis are now awaiting a bond hearing and upcoming trials. Their preliminary hearing is set for February 20, 2024. Prosecutors plan to bring forth ballistics, forensic evidence, and potentially testimony about the cash and relationships within the household.

Though both Amy and Ross have maintained their innocence in recent statements, investigators maintain the evidence points to premeditation and betrayal of trust—charges prosecutors say reflect the calculated brutality of the crime.

This case highlights the most chilling aspect of violent crime: when it occurs within a family home. The proximity of victim and accused, both living on the same property, intensifies the emotional toll and shakes the core of communal trust. As this case moves forward, it serves as a grim reminder of how domestic life can become a scene of unspeakable violence, and how long‑awaited justice can finally catch up.