HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A Lutz man has been charged with the murder of a woman whose body parts were found in McKay Bay earlier this month.
According to Tampa police, Robert Kessler killed Stephanie Crone-Overholts.
Authorities did not give details how Overholts was killed.
What You Need To Know
- Tampa police: Robert Kessler of Lutz arrested, charged i nthe murder of Stephanie Crone-Overholts
- Case began Nov. 11 when body parts were found in McKay Bay
- Previous story: Human remains found in McKay Bay ID'd; Officials rule case a homicide
Last week, police were able to identify Overholts from a tattoo on her lower right thigh.
The unique case started when a fisherman found body parts in McKay Bay off of Licata Bridge on Nov. 11.
Police said once the picture of the tattoo went public, her family in Pennsylvania called to identify her.
They said she had been living with a man in Lutz for a period of time. Police said they were able track the tip to Kessler's home and they found the evidence they needed for an arrest.
“We were able to locate enough evidence,” said Interim Police Chief Ruben Delgado. “In fact, we located some of Stephanie's blood in her car and did a search warrant on Kessler's house where we found more blood and a pair of shoes.
“FDLE and the medical examiner's office worked with us very closely and we were able to determine the blood belonged to Stephanie.”
Kessler, 69, has been charged with second degree murder and abuse of a body.
Authorities said he has a long criminal history.