FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, FL (July 23, 2024) — The State Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty against 65-year-old defendant Robert Craig-Webb, who is accused of the first-degree murders of his ex-wife and her new boyfriend. Craig-Webb was married to the victim for 40 years before the couple split in 2023. After the divorce, their children told investigators that Craig-Webb exhibited “stalker-like behavior” after his ex-wife began seeing another man.
The defendant drove to the victim’s home in the Encore neighborhood in Tampa on June 1 and ambushed his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, shooting and killing them as they walked out of her apartment. The defendant admitted to the murders and told detectives the victims never threatened him.
“This defendant lay in wait, preying on two innocent people who were simply enjoying a quiet afternoon together with their families. His actions were especially heinous, atrocious, and cruel and a jury deserves to decide if the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for his actions. Not one, but two families, are changed forever because of his ruthless actions,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
State Attorney Lopez has personally met with the victims’ families in this case, as she does with all homicide cases, to ensure they feel supported and heard throughout the legal process. State Attorney Lopez talked with the victims’ families in this case the day of the murders at the crime scene and has continued to stay in touch as they attend court hearings. She admires their strength and perseverance as they stand together fighting for justice for their loved ones.
Craig-Webb’s grown children told investigators that he was arrested for domestic violence in the past, even breaking his ex-wife’s arm over the years. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, Hillsborough County has several resources to help. The Spring of Tampa Bay provides a safe place for survivors and their children. The Spring has a 24-hour crisis hotline that victims can call or text: 813-247-SAFE (7233).
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO