Florida murder defendant requests Philly cheesesteak for guilty plea

Robert Kessler, a 74-year-old Florida man facing first-degree murder charges, asked a judge for a specific meal before agreeing to plead guilty. The request took place during jury selection in Hillsborough County on Monday. Kessler faces charges related to the 2021 death of Stephanie Crone-Overholt, a 47-year-old woman found dismembered in McKay Bay.

Court video shows Kessler responding to a judge’s suggestion that he enter an open plea for life in prison. Kessler stated he would accept the deal in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak. He specified the sandwich should include onions, mayonnaise, and 20 ounces of peppers. He also requested an order of fries and a Pepsi. Kessler described the trade as a gesture to save taxpayers money.

The judge quickly rejected the negotiation. The judge said it would be wrong in a thousand ways to give food to people to enter a plea. The judge guaranteed Kessler could have lunch that day but could not guarantee what the meal would be. After the rejection, Kessler rescinded his offer. He told the court to just pick the jury, noting that if he got the sandwich, he could go for the deal, but he was not going to get it.

Prosecutors allege Kessler murdered Crone-Overholt while she stayed at his home in Lutz. Kessler’s daughter witnessed an argument between the two shortly before the victim disappeared. An affidavit cited by People Magazine notes that Crone-Overholt asked Kessler for $200 so she could leave. In November 2021, fishermen discovered the victim’s remains in the bay. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Kessler’s description throw trash bags into the water.

The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office began presenting its case on Tuesday. The office stated its focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and her family. The office noted that the defendant’s courtroom remarks have drawn national attention. The office shared that it will not be distracted by the defendant's antics. Kessler is scheduled to stand trial before a jury selected in the coming days.