A Florida man representing himself in a grisly dismemberment murder case proposed an unusual plea-bargain deal this week.
During jury selection Monday in Hillsborough County Circuit Court, Robert Kessler told the judge he would enter an open plea if he received a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with onions and mayonnaise, an order of fries, and a 20-ounce Pepsi, according to a report by WFLA-TV.
Philly cheesesteak, fries, and a 20 oz Pepsi. – The craziest hearing happened this morning. Robert Kessler, who is now blind (can see shapes), had at one time said he couldn’t stand trial because he couldn’t see his accusers (not kidding). Then filed last week to waive his appearance at his trial today. THEN this morning he wanted to go Pro Se. The judge allowed him to go Pro Se, then he said he would plead guilty for a Philly cheesesteak, fries, and a 20 oz Pepsi. They are moving forward with jury selection. He is representing himself. I’ll send more info out shortly.
— Cathy Russon (@cathyrusson) October 26, 2026
Kessler, 74, is representing himself on charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body in the 2021 death of Stephanie Crone-Overholts, 47.
The victim’s body parts had been found by fishermen in a local body of water in November of that year.
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Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian discussed with Kessler the possibility of an open plea that would result in a life sentence.
Kessler responded that he would do so “for a Philly cheesesteak, and an order of fries and a Pepsi,” later specifying the toppings and stating the move would “save the taxpayers.”
The judge rejected the idea. “I’ve never, in my 40 years, almost 40 years, heard that request before,” Nazaretian said.
“I can’t, obviously, give food to people to enter a plea,” he went on, describing the request as “wrong in a thousand ways.”
Kessler later indicated he did not want to enter an open plea without the meal.
If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Crone-Overholts, from Erie, Pennsylvania, had recently moved to Florida and was living in her car when she met Kessler at a McDonald’s. He allowed her to stay at his home in Lutz.
In November 2021, fishermen found a severed leg bearing a tattoo of three hearts with the names of her sons in McKay Bay.
Additional body parts were recovered in the days that followed.
Police identified her after the tattoo images circulated, and the medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Kessler was arrested that month, initially on drug charges, and was later charged in her killing, according to an Associated Press report.
Blood matching the victim was recovered from his home and vehicle, according to earlier court filings cited by WTVT-TV. He has remained in custody without bond for nearly five years.
In November 2021, a fisherman found body parts in McKay Bay, an arm of the larger Tampa Bay.
The body was identified as Stephanie Crone-Overholts, after police released photos of her tattoo, 3 hearts including the name of her son.
Police arrested Robert Kessler for drug charges first, and then they found evidence of Stephanie’s blood in his van and home. Stephanie was living with Kessler, and it is believed that they had a falling out, which led to her murder and dismemberment. 😢
After 5 years, his trial starts today in a Hillsborough County courtroom.
Two days ago, Kessler said he wanted to represent himself, but he literally changed his mind this morning, and he’s back to having defense counsel.Justice for Stephanie 🩵
— Kiki Danger (@itskikidanger) October 27, 2026
FL v Robert Kessler
Do NOT be fooled by Kessler’s “frail” appearance. He was a fully functioning, 69 year old man in 2021, who was also using and manufacturing methamphetamine. (2021 Mugshot 👇)
In fact, detectives uncovered text messages from his victim, Stephanie, expressing extreme fear of Kessler because she had refused his demands to learn how to manufacture meth.
He requested to be removed from all of the proceedings, and it looks like the judge is going to allow that request.
It’s unfair to Stephanie’s family, imo, because they deserve to look at the man who took their loved one away. However, there will be probably less issues with his crying and moaning and pretending to look like a “frail old man” without him.
— Kiki Danger (@itskikidanger) October 27, 2026
Kessler has previously sought to dismiss the case or limit his participation, citing vision impairment.
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