Florida murder suspect offers to plead guilty in exchange for Philly cheesesteak

A murder suspect from Florida offered to plead guilty and accept life in prison in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak.

Robert Kessler, 74, faces counts of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body in connection with the death of 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholt in 2021. The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office began presenting its case on Tuesday, October 27.

However, during the trial, the judge was made aware of a potential plea deal when Kessler spoke to the bailiff. Kessler said he would agree to go to jail for life in exchange for the specific food request.

Kessler said the deal would save taxpayer dollars

The judge came to Kessler and asked him about the open plea. The 74-year-old responded by saying he would agree to go to jail for “a Philly cheesesteak and an order of fries and a Pepsi.”

Kessler then clarified his order for the judge, asking for his cheesesteak “with onions on it and mayonnaise and fries. And a 20oz Pepsi.” He claimed this deal would save the jury’s time and save taxpayer dollars.

The judge, who revealed he had never heard such a request “in his 40 years” of practice, said he could not give food as part of a plea as it would be “wrong in a thousand ways”.

The judge said that he could guarantee Kessler would have lunch but not what it would be. He then probed Kessler about the open plea, given that the Philly cheesesteak request was not possible. “I want the cheese sandwich. If I get the sandwich, then I could go for it. But I’m not going to get it,” he responded.

The Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office made a statement on Instagram, discussing the request. “While this defendant’s courtroom remarks have drawn national attention, our focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and her family.”

If convicted, Robert Kessler faces life in prison.