Florida murder suspect representing himself says he’ll accept life sentence for Philly cheesesteak
He also asked for fries and a pepsi
A 74-year-old murder suspect representing himself in a Florida court told the judge that he would plead guilty to the charges and accept a life sentence in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak. Robert Kessler made the proposition in court this week and also asked for sides and a drink.
Kessler, who was arrested in connection with the murder and dismemberment of 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholt in 2021, was told by a judge that he could enter an open plea to get “life in prison and be done with it.” In a video from Monday’s jury selection, Kessler was heard telling the judge, “I’ll do that for a Philly cheesesteak, and an order of fries and a Pepsi.”
The judge then asked Kessler to confirm, and the 74-year-old specified that he wanted the sandwich with onions, mayonnaise, and “20 oz. of peppers.” He also claimed that his offer was a gesture meant to “save the taxpayer’s money,” according to Fox 29.
The judge rejected Kessler’s offer, telling the defendant, “I can’t obviously give food to people to enter a plea.” He then went on to claim that doing so “would be wrong in a thousand ways,” before telling Kessler, “I can guarantee you can have lunch today, but I can’t guarantee what it would be.”
Later on in the video, Kessler, who was representing himself, was heard telling the judge, “[I] don’t want to open plea.” He then said, “Just pick the jury. I want this cheese sandwich. If I get the sandwich then I could go for it, but I’m not going to get it.”
Robert Kessler is facing murder charges from 2021
Kessler was charged in connection with the murder of Stephanie Crone-Overholt, which happened in 2021. He is facing counts of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. Crone-Overholt’s dismembered remains were found by fishermen in McKay Bay in November 2021, according to People.
Prosecutors alleged that the 74-year-old murdered Crone-Overholt while she was staying at his house in Lutz. According to an affidavit obtained by People, at least three witnesses saw a man who matched Kessler’s description throwing trash bags into the bay before the discovery of Crone-Overholt’s body.
Kessler’s daughter also told authorities that Crone-Overholt had asked Kessler for $200 for her to leave and that she had seen the two arguing.
The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office began presenting its case against Kessler on Tuesday, according to Fox 29. They said that they won’t be distracted by the defendant’s antics. “While this defendant’s courtroom remarks have drawn national attention, our focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and her family,” a statement from the State Attorney’s Office said.
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