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Coverage dated October 26, 2026 to October 27, 2026

Blind murder defendant who wanted to represent himself at trial decides he does not want to be in courtroom at all

Headline from Court TV

TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — A 74-year-old blind man who is facing trial for allegedly stabbing a woman in the jugular, chopping up her body and dumping the remains in a bay said Monday that he wanted to represent himself. But on Tuesday, not only did Robert Kessler change his mind, he told a judge […]

Court TV's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

3 articles, oldest first.

  1. Tampa Bay Times

    Blind man to defend himself in Tampa murder case after shunning lawyer (opens Tampa Bay Times)

    Published

    Tampa Bay Times's feed description

    Robert Kessler wanted to go to trial. Then he didn’t. Then he offered to plead guilty, but only if he could have a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, fries and a Coke. A judge said that was a no-go. So Kessler, 74, blind and facing a mandatory life sentence if found guilty of murder, decided to defend him…

  2. Court TV

    Blind murder defendant who wanted to represent himself at trial decides he does not want to be in courtroom at all (opens Court TV)

    Published

    Court TV's feed description

    TAMPA, Fla. (Court TV) — A 74-year-old blind man who is facing trial for allegedly stabbing a woman in the jugular, chopping up her body and dumping the remains in a bay said Monday that he wanted to represent himself. But on Tuesday, not only did Robert Kessler change his mind, he told a judge […]

  3. Tampa Bay Times

    Blind man takes lawyer back but ditches court as Tampa murder trial opens (opens Tampa Bay Times)

    Published

    Tampa Bay Times's feed description

    A day after telling a judge he would represent himself in his murder trial, Robert Kessler changed his mind. The blind 74-year-old wanted his public defender back. But he also said he didn’t want to be present to listen to testimony and arguments.

Blind murder defendant who wanted to represent himself at trial decides he does not want to be in courtroom at all | Since Then