Florida Murder Defendant Requests Cheesesteak Plea Deal

Kessler, who is representing himself in the case, claimed the unusual trade would save taxpayer money by avoiding a lengthy trial. When Judge Nick Nazaretian dismissed the request, the defendant insisted on specific toppings, including onions, mayonnaise, and peppers, before eventually retracting the offer and demanding that jury selection proceed.

The defendant stands accused of the 2021 murder and dismemberment of 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholts, whose remains were discovered by fishermen in McKay Bay. Prosecutors allege that Crone-Overholts had been staying at Kessler’s Tampa-area home prior to her disappearance, with witnesses reporting a man matching his description disposing of bags in the water. An eight-year-old witness, identified in court records as Kessler’s daughter, previously told investigators that she observed the pair arguing over money shortly before the victim vanished. Despite his brief attempt to negotiate a lunch-based plea, Kessler remains set to face trial for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.