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Suspects In Fatal Purse Snatching Arrested

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By RUSSELL RAY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 15, 2008

Updated: 11/15/2008 05:44 pm

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• Man Faces Murder Charges

Steve Anthony Cruz

Lisa Michelle Dillard

The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has arrested two suspects in a purse-snatching that fatally injured a Hudson woman this morning.

Steve Anthony Cruz, 38, faces murder charges in the incident that led to the death of Linda Roma, 62, according to sheriff's office spokesman Kevin Doll. Lisa Michelle Dillard, 39, is being held on a parole violation, Doll said.

Cruz and Dillard were arrested at about 3 p.m. today near a 7-Eleven at County Line Road and U.S. 19. They are being held without bail at Land O' Lakes jail.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrest.

Roma and her daughter, Jennifer, were leaving the TJ Maxx on U.S. 19 on Wednesday night when a man grabbed Roma's purse. Roma was thrown down, striking her head on the ground. She was taken to a local hospital, where she died Thursday.

Both suspects have lengthy criminal histories, detectives said. Authorities thought the couple may still be in the area of Northwest Pasco County.

Also, Pasco County authorities said they have found the car the pair was driving on the night of the attack.

The sheriff's office released surveillance footage showing the couple entering a nearby Wal-Mart about an hour after the attack attempting to use Roma's credit cards. A bald black man wearing a white shirt was with them.

The sheriff's office said they have identified the black man, but have decided not to release his name.

Reporter Kevin Wiatrowski contributed to this report. Reporter Russell Ray can be reached at (813) 259-7870.

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