court hall
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The jury convicted him of murder. But the prosecutors did not want a murder charge.
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Almost five years after body parts were discovered in Tampa's McKay Bay, Robert Kessler was sentenced to life in prison.
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Kessler, 74, was charged with killing Stephanie Krone-Oberholts, a 47-year-old woman who was staying at his home.
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Her dismembered remains were recovered from the water in November 2021.
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Prosecutors pursued first degree murder, arguing that the killing was premeditated.
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But on Nov. 4, a jury convicted Kessler of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse.
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The distinction is important.
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The jury concluded that Kessler committed murder but did not find the evidence sufficient to convict him of the more serious charge of first degree murder.
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Judge Nick Nazarian sentenced him to life in prison plus an additional 15 consecutive years.
⠀ During the sentencing, the judge strongly condemned Kessler's actions, especially what happened to Stephanie's body after her death.
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The courtroom footage captures an unusually powerful conclusion to a deeply disturbing case.
⠀ Watch the judge turn to Kessler at the sentencing ⠀.