Second-degree murder charges filed against Celebration man accused of killing wife, 3 children, family dog

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The man who investigators say confessed to killing his wife and three children in Celebration pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder charges Thursday.

Deputies said Anthony Todt confessed to killing his wife, Megan, 42, and their three children, Aleksander, 13, Tyler, 11, and Zoe, 4 -- as well as their family dog, Breezy.

The second-degree charges he currently faces come with a sentence of up to life in prison. Channel 9’s legal expert said it’s possible that the charges get upgraded to first-degree murder, which can carry a death sentence.

READ: Todt family: Documents detail timeline leading up to discovery of bodies in Celebration home

In Florida, first degree means the person intentionally committed premeditated murder. Second degree means there is a lack of evidence to prove premeditation, and shows the person acted with a “morally corrupt or wicked mind” without regard for human life.

Channel 9’s legal expert said first-degree murder is the only charge the state attorney cannot issue on her own.

WATCH: Anthony Todt escorted to jail by Osceola County deputies

He said the second-degree charges are likely only an interim charge until a grand jury can meet on the case.

He said if a grand jury believes Todt should be indicted on first degree charges, those charges will supersede the current charges.

Stay tuned to Eyewitness News for updates.

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