Florida Man Loses Card Game And Burns Winner Beyond Recognition In His Vehicle

Authorities reported that a 21-year-old Florida man got so angry at losing money in a card game that he set a man's vehicle on fire with him inside.

The Pasco County Sheriff's arrest report claims the victim was burned beyond recognition after winning thousands of dollars in a card game with the suspect, Michael Psilakis, in October.

Investigators are yet to release the name, citing Marsy's law, which is designed to protect the identity of crime victims.

According to a witness, also at the card game, Psilakis first lost $1,000 in a first-round with the victim. He tried to regain his money in another game and instead lost an additional $2,500.

The witness stated Psilakis sent a text message to him asking if he should kill the victim.

He told the victim he had something for him. Later the accused texted the witness while he was spending time with the victim that he was still thinking about shooting him.

The victim was reported missing on October 30 by his mother, who told the police that she had not seen him in days. He had allegedly been driving a Hertz rental car, which was later reported stolen.

The body was found in the burned wreckage on November 1.
The deputy who first encountered Psilakis saw burn marks on his legs during an interview they did at his mother's house. He told the officer his girlfriend had thrown hot oil at him during an argument.

Psilakis' mother then contacted the authorities saying she had found blood scattered in several locations around the house.

When he called home, his mother allowed the police to record the call. During that call, he changed his story and said the burns were sustained while he was putting gas in his vehicle and asked his mother to tell the authorities the same thing.

He was arrested soon after at his mother's house, where a stolen weapon was also recovered inside of a vehicle he had stolen.

Authorities also looked through his phone to find an interesting search history.

Some of the things he had Googled included whether a bullet could go through a car seat or "how to treat burns."

Psilakis' mother refused to give an interview to media outlets but instead issued a statement intimating that all parties had been hurt. So things should go through the appointed process.

After the fact, the 21-year-old is facing several charges, including resisting arrest, grand theft auto and premeditated homicide.