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Fatal Purse Snatching Suspects Are Arrested

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By RUSSELL RAY

rray@tampatrib.com

Published: November 16, 2008

Steve Anthony Cruz

Lisa Michelle Dillard

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

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

Cruz and Dillard were arrested about 3 p.m. Saturday near a 7-Eleven at County Line Road and U.S. 19. They were to be booked into Land O' Lakes Jail.

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office assisted in the arrests, Doll said.

Roma and her daughter, Jennifer, were leaving a TJ Maxx on U.S. 19 in Hudson 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 say they thought the couple might still be in the northwest Pasco County area. Pasco County authorities said they have found the car the pair departed in after the attack.

The Pasco sheriff's office released surveillance footage showing the couple entering a nearby Wal-Mart about an hour after the theft, attempting to use Roma's credit cards. Another man was with them.

The sheriff's office said it has identified the man but has 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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