Another said he saw Villegas scrubbing pepper spray off his arms the day after Lewis disappeared. Tony Villegas is serving a life sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. Lewis aunt, Lynn Haberl, read a statement on behalf of the family shortly after the verdict was read. We started coming up with different theories on what could have happened, said Brian Kendall of the Plantation Police Department. Mass was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parker. Tony Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday in the 2008 death of Melissa Britt Lewis, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who was, at the time of her death, the best friend of Villegas estranged wife. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. The defense didnt provide an alternative motive for the murder but stressed reasonable doubt. Tony is preceded in death by his parents, Alejo and Felicia Villegas; daughter Donna and son Christopher. Sleep was a bonus those days as he worked as a night security guard while attending school, somehow finding time to study. Share a memory. They also often visited with his sister Ofie, parents and family in the NY/NJ area. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. She was born April 19, 1954 in Colorado to Paul and Carmen (Murillo) Chacon. She also spoke after the verdict. He always had wonderful stories to tell the family of his Navy days and growing up in the Philippines. Where he lives and where he works, said Broward County lead prosecutor Shari Tate-Jenkins. Anthony Villegas, 88 of Moreno Valley, California Passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. He especially enjoyed it when Matt, Kevin or Carli would come for a visit and participate in remote camping, tournaments, New Years celebrations, weddings, sandcastle-building contests, working at Avis car rental, or Alaska travel service, the list goes on! Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Candle. The evidence against Villegas was overwhelming. TONY VILLEGAS Obituary (2013) - Santa Ana, CA - Orange County Register Another Mass and celebration will be held near their final resting place in Pottstown, PA in 2023. Left to share his wonderful legacy are: his loving and devoted wife of 35 years Sabrina, sons Johnny Villegas, David Villegas and Antonio Villegas, III. The authorities earlier confirmed that pepper spray had been used in the garage. A South Florida man accused of killing a former law partner of notorious Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein was found guilty Monday. The two spent a lot of time together, with Melissa cooking for her children and going out on family vacations with them. No doubt, the two are together again. forever!. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. He was born in Los Angeles on September 17, 1952 to Parents, Conrado Humberto and Nena Villegas. IN THE CARE OF. The search for the person who strangled Melissa Lewis to death and dumped her in a canal led to many twists and turns. A worried Coffey called Homberg and local police, asking authorities to do a welfare check on Lewis. Editorial: Expulsion of legislators should be a last resort, Broncs finish rough 2023 season with two losses, Hiring/career expo April 26 at Parker High, Sheriffs Office awarded almost $700K in grants, Senate hopeful Rep. Gallego visits Parker. I remembered Missy was an advocate for domestic violence because of Debra [Coffey], said Homberg. The families of the defendant and the victim have been cordial throughout the weeklong trial, with Lewis sister, mother, aunt and niece all indicating that they hold no grudges against those who were close to Villegas. Mr. Miller Mies Downey Mortuary. Debra Coffey was sentenced to 10 years for her role in the Ponzi scheme and was released on parole after three and a half years. Tony Villegas is serving a life sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Tony found immense joy and peace in worship and praising Jesus' name. Investigators looked into the theory that Lewis could have learned about the Ponzi scheme and threatened to alert authorities or was herself directly involved in it. The beloved 39-year-old initially worked at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before she got her GED and went to college. Tony Villegas Killed Melissa Lewis, Threw Body In Florida Canal | Crime Grandchildren: Michael, Brandon, and Tommy Grandchildren: Kobe and Kayli, Great-Granddaughter: Dawson Grandchildren: Trace and Macy Children: Terri Jean, Sara, Tony, Carolann (Sonny) and Ernie (Christine), Children: Steve (Ali), Brian (Candace) and Tim (Tiffany). Eight years after he strangled Lewis to death on the floor of her garage and dumped her in the canal, Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder. Arnie had so many wonderful friends and family spread all over the place, everywhere that he went he would bring smiles and warm welcomes, he was bigger than life and a hero to his kids, and soul-mate to his wife, the best brother, uncle, son, cousin, partner, that anyone could ever want. When finished, he travelled back home but had the ultimate goal of immigrating to the US full time. Melissa Lewis Murder: Where is Tony Villegas Now? Update - The Cinemaholic 350 Obituaries Search Nogales obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Sources state that Tony Villegas is currently serving time at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. Lewis had befriended Villegas wife, Debra Villegas (who now goes by the surname Coffey), and the two women had grown closer in the year or so after the Villegases separated. (Rafael Olmeda, Dylan Bouscher/South . Its senseless.. Another Mass and celebration will be held near their final resting place in Pottstown, PA in 2023. Because the phone stopped for the night in Hialeah, authorities believed the killer did, too. A witness stated that she saw a car similar to Tonys in the parking lot where Melissas car was eventually found. Tony worked at Parker High School as a maintenance engineer and retired in 2008. that is degrading to another person. He was born in Los Angeles, California on July 12, 1954. Tony Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday in the 2008 death of Melissa Britt Lewis, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who was, at the time of her death, the best friend of Villegas'. In depositions during the federal investigation into the Ponzi scheme, Rothstein denied any connection with Lewis death. Billie Joan Villegas <p>On the Day You were Born 02-21-1932 5 Angels got together and decided that you would be Our Mom so we sprinkled Stardust in your eyes and waited for our Dreams to Come True. He was born in Los Angeles, California on September 9 . It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, sisters Della Meehan, Gloria Anderson and Alice Villegas. Tony was gifted in song and guitar which has been passed down to his children and grandchildren.Tony Villegas' family will be celebrating his life on December 3, 2013. Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! The women met with the officer at Lewis' residence and made a disturbing find: In the garage, Lewis' car was gone. Somewhat suddenly, he died of a heart related incident. He was born in the Philippines on May 22, 1946, into a family of five sons and one daughter. Tony Villegas guilty of murdering partner in, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Tony Villegas guilty of murdering partner in Rothstein law firm, Palm Beach Sheriffs Office deputy shoots knife-wielding man in Boynton Beach, First Republic Bank seized, sold in fire sale to JPMorgan, Key things to know about Floridas pending abortion ruling, DeSantis oversight board votes to sue Disney. They kept in close touch with their daughters and grandchildren and always enjoyed their visits. He was the 2nd eldest of 8 children.. The city of Plantation winds with a series of manufactured canals in Floridas Everglade wetlands. Anthony Villegas 08/11/1964 - 09/17/2011 Arrangements under the direction of Imperial Funeral Home, Pueblo, CO. Jose "Tony" Antonio Muniz- Villegas Nine Grands, 12 great grands. Ways to honor Antonio Villegas's life and legacy. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. Tribute Wall Obituary & Events. She always wanted to be a lawyer, and her dream came true after university. Arnold always found the time to pursue the things he loved to do, fishing, softball (pitcher), travel, ride his motorcycle, cook for family and friends and hang out with the Samoans. He is survived by his sons, Jerry Tony Villegas and Felix James Villegas. Investigators used the OnStar security on Lewis' car to access the vehicles GPS. Villegas, by your conduct, youve not only affected yourself but youve affected the lives of many people. Daughters, Rachel Villegas, Sarah Villegas and Alexandrya Joy Villegas. Pepper spray was all over the crime scene the garage of Lewis Plantation home. He was honored to be Joeys Godfather, and proud to be given his own special name Papanino. And signals from Lewis cellphone followed Villegas from the scene to his home in Miami the night she disappeared, then up to Broward and along the route Villegas took at work as a conductor for the FEC railroad the following day. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Ways to honor TONY VILLEGAS's life and legacy. Be Nice. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In the same month, Tony was sentenced to life in prison. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. She worked for Rothstein Rosenfeldt & Adler, eventually making partner. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Information about the Ponzi scheme and Coffeys involvement was kept from jurors at Villegas trial. Tate said Villegas grew jealous of Lewis closeness to his estranged wife and children until he lost control, waiting for Lewis to come home from work on March 5, 2008 and strangling her to death with his bare hands. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Delano Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Delano, CA - Echovita Nogales Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Nogales, AZ - Echovita All rights reserved, Person With Smiley Face Shirt, Puppy Wanted for Bank Fraud in Broward: BSO, Florida Man Pleads Guilty in 2017 Serial Killings of 4 People in Tampa, That Wasn't a Meteorite in the South Florida Sky Sunday Night. The children were blessed to grow up with Tony as their loving "Dad," and he gave them a wealth of happy memories. It was during this time, he started moon lighting as a Security Officer for AWC where he remained until the end. OBITUARY Thomas Ray Villegas January 31, 1945 - September 9, 2022. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl (Haley) Wilmer, his 4 children, Tony (Annie) Wilmer of Westminster, Colorado, Stephanie (George) Villegas of Brighton, Colorado, Jennifer Wilmer of Bayfield, Colorado, and Jon . Your work is done here Arnie, youve done your part in making this a better world. Tony Jose Villegas, 81 - Apple Valley, CA - MyLife.com David Anthony Villegas was born on December 5th 1990 to loving parents Manuel and Margarita, their second child. He is survived by his parents and loving companion, Virginia Zaragosa, daughters, Daisy and Toni Villegas of Victorville, California. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. It might be motive for Rothstein or Coffey to eliminate her, if so. Lewis even helped her friend Coffey through her own embittered divorce. Tony Villegas, a South Florida man, was accused and found guilty of murdering Melissa Lewis, a top Fort Lauderdale attorney at the now-dissolved Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm in March 2008. You have funeral questions, we have answers. He sponsored the Yuma Scorpions, befriended Mike Marshall from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and hosted classic car gatherings such as the Show and Shine. Debra Villegas, who has been released following a federal prison term for her role in the Ponzi scheme, took the stand during the trial. "Mexican Theater," the Villegas brothers' homegrown television program, was a Sunday-morning staple in many Tucson Mexican homes. Obituary | Antonio Cruz Villegas of Clermont, Florida | BECKER FUNERAL "Instead of thinking about Melissa, thinking about this day, when is it going to come, it has come and gone now so now when we think about Melissa we can think about Melissa," she said. A pathology internship led them to Ottawa, Canada where they started their family with the birth of two daughters. So, if youre curious about what happened to Melissa, weve got you covered. Thank You. There was no connection from Scott Rothsteins activity to the death of Melissa Lewis.. Salvador Villegas was born September 18, 1933 in Fort Stockton, Texas and raised by his adopted parents Silvestre and Santos Villegas of McCamey,Texas. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Tony stood trial in 2016 after initially being ruled incompetent in 2010. Michael Villegas | The Van Horn Advocate Arnold Villegas unexpectedly passed away due to heart complications on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ. Tony Villegas Found Guilty in Murder of Former Scott Rothstein Partner Then, a legal issue that her firm was embroiled in only added to the chaos. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Las Vegas, Nevada on facebook. In Lieu of flowers please donate to: Pyper Womack at the National Bank. Villegas' attorney, Bruce Fleisher, said he thinks Rothstein may be connected. If she set her mind towards something, she accomplished the goal.. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Coffey also found a button from Lewis' suit on the floor. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Both Debra and her children stated that he was abusive. He is survived by 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. After finally breaking their long losing streak the week before, the Broncs softb, Are you looking to hire employees? She said, We talked about it, neither one of us wanted a gun, she was living alone, so she felt she needed something to, you know I was going through a difficult divorce and living on my own as well, so I decided on a Taser, and she decided on pepper spray. The most damning evidence came in the form of physical evidence.