Robert Kessler Trial

State of Florida v. Robert Kessler, Hillsborough County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit), Tampa

ChargedPretrialTrialVerdictSentencingAppealTrial underway

Oct 27, 2026

Openings: Kessler dropped his request to represent himself, returned the case to public defender Maria Dunker, and chose not to attend trial. Judge Nick Nazaretian called it a bad decision and said he will check with Kessler by Zoom twice a day. (Court TV)

Next up

Last checked Oct 27, 2026. Court calendars change.

Trial continues; it was expected to last about two weeks.

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What legal commentators are saying

Real Lawyer Reacts: Life in Prison for a Cheesesteak? Only in Florida - FL vs. Robert KesslerThe Lawyer You Know, Livestream, Oct 27, 2026
FL Vs Robert Kessler Pro se murder trialBroken Baker, Livestream, Oct 27, 2026

Timeline

Oct 27, 2026ReportedKessler returns the case to his public defender and chooses not to attend; opening statements held. (Court TV)
Oct 26, 2026ReportedKessler asks to represent himself and offers to change his plea for a cheesesteak, fries and a Coke; the judge rejects the offer. (Court TV)
Oct 15, 2026ReportedJudge denies defense motion to dismiss over Kessler's blindness. (WTSP)

Sources

Blind murder defendant who wanted to represent himself at trial decides he does not want to be in courtroom at all, Court TV, 2026-10-27
Judge denies bid to dismiss Tampa murder case over accused killer's blindness, WTSP, 2026-10-15