The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested two men in connection with a homicide investigation that began as a missing person case in January 2025.
On January 16, 2025, HCSO received a report of a missing 71-year-old adult, identified as Joseph Romano.
Through investigative means, detectives discovered that Joseph Schiliro, 45, was attempting to retrieve Romano's mail at the apartment complex where he lived. Detectives also uncovered an ongoing financial fraud scheme, with large sums of money being transferred from the victim's accounts to fraudulent accounts linked to Schiliro.
Further investigation revealed that Silviano Christman, 31, flew to Tampa from New York on January 3, 2025, and was with Schiliro during that time.
On February 13, 2025, a search warrant was served at Schiliro's residence, where detectives discovered dismembered human remains in the backyard. The remains were later identified as Romano.
On February 20, 2025, Silviano Christman was arrested by the New York Police Department Regional Fugitive Task Force and now faces the following charges:
- Pre-Meditated First-Degree Murder
- Conspiracy to Commit Pre-Meditated First-Degree Murder
- Burglary with Battery
- Abuse of a Dead Body
- Fraudulent Use of Personally identifiable information of a Deceased Person
On February 21, 2025, Joseph Schiliro was arrested in Pinellas County by the U.S. Marshals Task Force and now faces the following charges:
- Pre-Meditated First-Degree Murder
- Conspiracy to Commit Pre-Meditated First-Degree Murder
- Burglary with Battery
- Fraudulent Use of Personally identifiable information of a Deceased Person
- Fraudulent Use of Personally identifiable information
- Money Laundering
- Exploitation of a Disabled Adult
"The actions of these two men are despicable and deeply disturbing. Through deceit and violence, they exploited and took the life of another individual," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Thanks to the determined efforts of our detectives and law enforcement partners, they are both now behind bars. We remain committed to seeking justice for the victim and his loved ones."
For Silviano Christman's booking photo, media is asked to contact the New York Police Department.
This remains an active investigation. The Public Affairs Office will release any further updates.