Florida man accused of dismembering woman said he would enter plea in exchange for Philly cheesesteak, fries, and Pepsi

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) — A 74-year-old man accused of killing and dismembering a woman in 2021 allegedly told a judge during the jury selection phase of his trial that he would enter an open plea in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak.

According to the Hillsborough State Attorney’s Office, Robert Kessler is accused of killing 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholt, who was staying with him at the time. Police believe Kessler dismembered her before dumping her body into a bay.

Kessler has chosen to act as his own attorney during his trial, for which jury selection began on Oct. 26, per the state attorney’s office. 

People reportsKessler appeared before Hillsborough Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian on the first day of the jury selection phase and was told he could enter an open plea to get “life in prison and be done with it.” 

Kessler allegedly appeared to consider the offer before saying, “I’ll do that for a Philly cheesesteak, and an order of fries, and a Pepsi,” People reports. When Nazaretian asked for clarification, Kessler allegedly said, “a Philly cheesesteak with onions on it and mayonnaise and fries and 20 oz. of peppers.”