DELTONA, Fla. -- The four suspects accused in the brutal Deltona beatings over an X-Box and some clothes could now have separate trials. Six victims, ages 18 to 34, were beaten and then stabbed to death last year.

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The four suspects were all supposed to go to trial together in January, but that could change.

The man's name is Frederick Grimes. The state dropped him from their witness list earlier. Now the defense wants him. His testimony, however small, could delay this trial for months, even a year.

Grimes, a convicted felon, is threatening to tear the Deltona mass murder trial apart. Grimes is in prison for attempted robbery. He's the client of Jeff Dees, who is also the lawyer for Michael Salas. Salas and three others are charged with beating six people to death in a Deltona home a year ago.

If lawyers insist of brining Grimes to the stand, Dees may have to step down. If Grimes goes to the stand, Dees may have to testify as well. His testimony could be used against his own client and that can't happen. Dees would have to step down first.

No one wants Dees to leave. If he does, a new lawyer would have to pick up Salas' case. That could delay the trial for months.

Worse yet, it could force all four suspects to be tried separately. That could last a year.

Dees said Grimes had become hostile towards him since this issue came up and much more interested in becoming part of the case. One motivation could be, if Grimes comes to the stand, he could try to cut a deal with the state attorney for a reduced sentence.

Grimes is serving 20 years for attempted robbery. The judge will take up the issue again and talk about possibly separating the four suspects in mid-October.