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Man Indicted On Murder Charge In Purse-Snatch Death

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By TODD LESKANIC | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2008

Updated: 11/24/2008 04:43 pm

NEW PORT RICHEY - Prosecutors wasted little time in getting the case of Steve Anthony Cruz in front of a Pasco County grand jury.

The panel, which met Thursday, indicted Cruz on a first-degree murder charge in the purse-snatching death of 62-year-old Linda Roma. The state attorney's office has not determined whether it will pursue the death penalty for Cruz, Assistant State Attorney Mike Halkitis said.

Roma and her daughter, Jennifer, went shopping at TJ Maxx in Hudson on Nov. 12. As they left the store, Cruz approached Linda Roma and tried to steal her purse, authorities said. Roma fought back but was flung to the ground during the struggle and hit her head on the pavement.

She was taken to the hospital, where she died Nov. 13.

Cruz, 38, and co-defendant Lisa Michelle Dillard, who investigators said drove the getaway car, were arrested two days later near County Line Road and U.S. 19. Dillard, 39, is charged with accessory after the fact.

Investigators say they tracked the pair using surveillance video taken from a nearby Wal-Mart. The video, taken about an hour after Roma's death, showed Cruz, Dillard and a third man enter the store. It also showed Cruz attempting to use one of Roma's credit cards at the jewelry counter, authorities said.

Investigators have said the third man is not likely to be charged.

Also Thursday, the grand jury indicted Calvin L. Washington, 20, on a first-degree murder charge stemming from the October shooting death of Cory Lynn Evans.

Evans, 21, was shot Oct. 16 during a home invasion robbery at 18236 Oxenham Ave. in Shady Hills.

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at tleskanic@tampatrib.com and (727) 815-1084.

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