Florida Murder Suspect Offers to Plead Guilty in Exchange for a Cheesesteak During Court Hearing

A Florida man accused of murdering and dismembering a woman stunned a courtroom when he told a judge he would consider pleading guilty — if he received a Philly cheesesteak meal in return.

Robert Kessler, 74, made the unusual offer on Monday, October 26, 2026, while jury selection was underway in his trial over the 2021 death of Stephanie Crone-Overholt, 47. Kessler faces charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body. Rather than making a conventional plea proposal, he asked the court for a specific meal in exchange for admitting guilt.

Kessler reportedly requested a Philly cheesesteak with onions and mayonnaise, accompanied by fries and a 20-ounce serving of Pepsi. He argued that accepting his offer could save taxpayers money by avoiding the cost of a lengthy trial. The unusual request quickly became a striking moment in a serious criminal proceeding.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian explained that Kessler could enter an open guilty plea, which would leave sentencing to the court, but the judge declined to offer food as an incentive. The judge indicated that such an arrangement would be inappropriate. Kessler subsequently withdrew the suggestion and asked for jury selection to continue, acknowledging that he did not expect to receive the meal.

The case dates back to November 2021, when fishermen discovered dismembered human remains in McKay Bay, Florida. Authorities identified the remains as belonging to Crone-Overholt. According to an affidavit cited in reports, several witnesses said they had seen a man matching Kessler’s description throwing trash bags into the bay.

Investigators reportedly learned that Crone-Overholt had stayed with Kessler and his daughter shortly before she disappeared. The two women were said to have been involved in an argument, and Crone-Overholt had allegedly asked for $200 to leave. Those details formed part of the investigation, though the accusations against Kessler still must be addressed through the criminal proceedings.

Kessler is representing himself in court. His decision to do so, combined with his unexpected cheesesteak proposal, has drawn attention to a case involving serious allegations. However, the offer itself did not resolve the charges, and the court proceedings were set to continue on October 27.

Despite the unusual courtroom exchange, the central issue remains the death of Crone-Overholt and the evidence prosecutors intend to present. Kessler remains accused of the crimes, and any determination of guilt must come through the legal process.

Source: PEOPLE