FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]
TAMPA, FL (September 12, 2024) — The State Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty in the brutal stabbing deaths of two people in Hillsborough County. Silvio Peralta, 35, is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, two counts of armed burglary of a dwelling, and armed burglary.
On July 13, 2024, Peralta entered the first victim’s home and stabbed a 31-year-old woman multiple times inside the bathroom. The victim’s 5-year-old child was present and told people that the defendant killed her mother. Peralta then stole the victim’s vehicle and drove to the second victim’s home on N. Packwood Avenue. The second victim, a 34-year-old male, was found dead in the driveway with multiple stab wounds.
Later that afternoon, deputies attempted to stop Peralta while he was driving on Armand Dr. The defendant fled from law enforcement, ditched the car, and ran until deputies were able to capture and place him under arrest. Both homicides were committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner while the defendant was engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, a burglary. Both were also especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
“The defendant made a calculated decision to brutally stab and kill two innocent people, and he will be held accountable. In one of the murders, a 5-year-old child witnessed things no grown adult should ever see. These families’ lives have been forever changed, and we will stand by them as we fight for justice together,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
· Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
· Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
· Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.