Paul Edeson
Robert Trease and Hope Siegel
Summary of Offense:
The defendant, Robert Trease, and his accomplice Hope Siegel conspired to rob the victim Paul Edeson. The robbery resulted in Trease killing the victim with a knife.
Trease and Siegel planned for her to arrange a date with the victim so that she could learn where the victim kept a hidden safe. They planned to return later to recover any money the victim may have had. Siegel arrived at the victim’s home and after spending time with the victim, determined that he did not have a safe. She left the victim’s residence and met with Trease, to inform him that the victim did not own a safe. Trease followed Ms. Siegal back to the victim’s house where he surprised and attacked the victim in an effort to obtain the safe’s location. The victim continued to insist that he did not have a safe in his house. Trease told Siegel to get a gun, which he put to the victim’s head as he continued the questioning. The victim remained uncooperative so Trease fired a non-lethal bullet into his head and then asked Siegel to retrieve a knife. He then cut the victim’s throat resulting in his death. Subsequent to his arrest, Trease denied any knowledge or involvement in the crime. Siegel, however, gave a detailed statement implicating them both.
Trease was sentenced to death in Sarasota County on January 22, 1997.
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