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3 Other Deaths Suspected

By JULIE PACEand SAMARA SODOS The Tampa Tribune

Published: Nov 7, 2005

TAMPA - -- A lead investigator in the case against Steven Lorenzo says up to five men Lorenzo is accused of drugging and abusing could be dead.

Tampa Police Detective Charles Massucci testified last week about thousands of digital images found on Lorenzo's computer that show men bound in sexually explicit positions. Investigators say two of the victims -- Jason Galehouse and Michael Wachholtz -- were killed. Now, Massucci says up to three others may have been killed as well.

While investigators do not know the identity of the three other possible victims, Massucci referred to them as "Bobby," "Karl" and "Atlanta 10," the same names Lorenzo used to label their photos.

Lorenzo's attorney, Donald Harrison, disputes Massucci's contention and said Lorenzo has told him the real identities of the men and that they are alive.

A series of photos of Bobby show a man with a wedding ring and tattoo around his right arm.

One photo of Bobby in Lorenzo's bathtub shows discoloration on his stomach.

Massucci testified that the redness indicates lividity, a dark blue staining of the dependent surface of a cadaver, resulting from the pooling and congestion of blood.

Massucci did not say during his testimony whether he thought Bobby was dead in the photos. When asked Sunday if he thought Bobby was dead, however, Massucci said yes.

He also believes Karl and Atlanta 10 may be dead as well.

Lorenzo is charged with nine federal charges of drug-facilitated crimes of violence. Lorenzo is not being charged with Galehouse and Wachholtz's murders because murder is not a federal charge. However, state authorities say they are preparing a case.

Lorenzo also is charged with one count of conspiring with Scott Schweickert, who faces a later trial date.

Defense attorney Harrison dismissed Massucci's assertions.

"They're playing games because they know these people are still alive," Harrison said.

Harrison also said the redness on Bobby's stomach could have easily been sunburn, not lividity. Massucci's comments add up to speculation, not fact, he said.

"We spend way too much time talking about all the things they suspect," Harrison said.

The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case by Wednesday. Harrison said his defense will likely take one day, but it could be longer if Lorenzo testifies. He said Lorenzo would make that decision by today.