TAMPA, Fla. — The Lutz man accused of killing a woman and then dropping her dismembered body in McKay Bay will remain in jail.
On Wednesday, a Tampa judge denied Robert Kessler bail.
What You Need To Know
- Robert Kessler denied bail during hearing Wednesday
- Kessler charged in the death of Stephanie Crone-Overholts
- Police said parts of Overholts' dismembered body were found in McKay Bay in November
- Lutz man arrested, charged with murder in McKay Bay body case
- Previous story: Human remains found in McKay Bay ID'd; Officials rule case a homicide
Kessler, 69, has been charged with second-degree murder and abuse of a dead human body in the death of 47-year-old Stephanie Crone-Overholts.
Kessler was not in the courtroom Wednesday.
The grisly case started when a fisherman found body parts in McKay Bay off of Licata Bridge on Nov. 11.
Tampa police were able to identify Overholts from a tattoo on her lower right thigh.
Police released an image of the tattoo that showed three hearts with the names Sean, Greg and Zach. Authorities said the tattoo was located on a lower right thigh.
The body part was found in the water by a fisherman by the 22nd Street Causeway Bridge. Eventually, additional body parts were discover in the water.
Authorities said Kessler's young daughter played a critical role in helping them identify him as a suspect.
According to the arrest affidavit, the 8-year-old girl told authorities the victim, Stephanie Crone-Overholts, 47, had been living with her and her father.
She told authorities she heard them arguing about money. The next day she asked her father where the woman was.
She told investigators Kessler said her boyfriend picked her up.
The child is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Families.