A Florida courtroom witnessed an extraordinary moment when a 74-year-old blind man facing first-degree murder charges offered to plead guilty and accept life imprisonment in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, fries and a Pepsi.
Robert Kessler made the unusual proposal on Monday, October 26, 2026, during jury selection in a Hillsborough County courtroom, leaving the presiding judge surprised by his request.
Kessler is accused of murdering and dismembering 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholt in 2021. He faces charges of first-degree murder and abuse of a dead body.
During the proceedings, Circuit Judge Nick Nazaretian explained that Kessler could enter an open guilty plea, potentially ending the trial with a life sentence.
However, the defendant responded with an unexpected condition.
“I’ll do that for a Philly cheesesteak, and an order of fries and a Pepsi,” Kessler told the court.
He went further, specifying that he wanted his sandwich prepared with onions and mayonnaise, accompanied by fries and a 20-ounce Pepsi.
Kessler argued that accepting his proposal would save taxpayers the expenses associated with a lengthy murder trial.
Judge Nazaretian immediately rejected the suggestion, explaining that providing food in exchange for a guilty plea would be inappropriate and contrary to proper judicial procedures.
The judge reportedly expressed astonishment at the unusual request, saying he had never encountered anything similar in nearly four decades.
Following the rejection, Kessler withdrew his proposed guilty plea and requested that jury selection proceed.
The murder case dates back to November 2021, when fishermen discovered human remains in McKay Bay, Florida.
Blind Florida man who is charged with first-degree murder tells judge he will plead guilty in exchange for a Philly cheesesteak, fries, and a Pepsi. https://t.co/axLVwv1fqL
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) October 28, 2026
Investigators identified the victim as Stephanie Crone-Overholt, who had reportedly been staying at Kessler’s residence before her disappearance.
According to court documents, witnesses reported seeing a man matching Kessler’s description disposing of trash bags near the bay.
Kessler, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, initially chose to represent himself despite warnings about the legal risks involved.
The bizarre courtroom exchange has attracted widespread attention, although prosecutors maintain that their priority remains seeking justice for the victim.
With the proposed arrangement rejected, Kessler’s murder case moved forward through the judicial process.
