Robert Kessler, a 74-year-old blind man accused of murdering a woman and dismembering her body, told a Florida court he would plead guilty if he received a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Kessler said he would avoid a lengthy and expensive trial in exchange for the meal.
Kessler appeared in court facing charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body in connection with the 2021 death of 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholt. The judge suggested Kessler could enter an open plea to get "life in prison and be done with it," to which Kessler replied: "I'll do that for a Philly cheesesteak, and an order of fries and a Pepsi?"
Courtroom Sandwich Request Denied
Kessler continued his order, asking for the sandwich with "onions, mayonnaise, and 20 oz. of peppers," calling the trade a gesture "to save the taxpayers." The judge quickly rejected the request, stating: "I can't obviously give food to people to enter a plea. That would be wrong in a thousand ways. I can guarantee you can have lunch today, but I can't guarantee what it would be."
After the rejection, Kessler rescinded his offer, telling the court to proceed with the trial: "Just pick the jury . . . If I get the sandwich, then I could go for it, but I'm not going to get it." The trial then began with jury selection.
Murder Case Details
Prosecutors allege Kessler murdered Crone-Overholt while she was staying at his home in Lutz, Florida. According to an affidavit, Kessler's daughter witnessed the two arguing shortly before the victim disappeared, noting that Crone-Overholt had asked him for $200 so she could leave.
In November 2021, fishermen discovered Crone-Overholt's dismembered remains in McKay Bay. Witnesses reportedly saw a man matching Kessler's description throwing trash bags into the water.
The Hillsborough State Attorney's Office began presenting its case Tuesday, stating: "While this defendant's courtroom remarks have drawn national attention, our focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and her family."
