In a significant breakthrough in a cold case investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has solved a 1993 homicide case involving the tragic death of Ms. Roslin Kruse.
"In the realm of law enforcement, there are few challenges as daunting as solving a cold case that has lingered for nearly three decades," said Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Detectives and Special Investigators conducted a meticulous review of the case, leading to the conclusion that the deceased subject, Michael Rizzo, was responsible for the death of Kruse.
Kruse, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen alive on November 1, 1993, at 13102 Mike Dr., Tampa, Florida. Later that day, her lifeless body was discovered on the east shoulder of East Bay Road in Gibsonton, Florida, south of Symmes Road. An autopsy revealed that Kruse's cause of death was strangulation.
During the initial investigation, HCSO Detectives observed Kruse entering a vehicle with an unknown individual. The vehicle was later traced to a residence on Mike Drive in Tampa, where both Kruse and the unknown person entered the premises. Although no immediate proof of a crime was found, this observation raised suspicions.
Further inquiry revealed that Michael Rizzo, who lived just 0.4 miles from where Kruse's body was discovered, had picked her up on the day of the murder but claimed he dropped her off alive, denying any involvement in her death.
Subsequently, Rizzo underwent a polygraph examination, which indicated deception in his responses. Conflicting accounts from Rizzo's wife and girlfriend at the time further complicated the investigation.
Forensic evidence, including an unknown DNA sample on Kruse's body, was collected and stored in a database. Despite exhaustive searches, no matches were found until recently.
In November 2021, investigators approached the biological daughter of Michael Rizzo, for a DNA swab, which ultimately provided a match with the DNA profile recovered from Kruse's body.
The revelation provided a pivotal lead in the case.
HCSO conducted a face-to-face meeting with Kruse's relatives in Ponte Vedra, Florida, to inform them of the findings and resolution of the case.
"This investigation demonstrates the commitment of our cold case investigators to bring justice to victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "We extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Kruse's family, and we hope the resolution of this case can provide them with some closure."
Cold Case Investigators verified that the subject, Michael Rizzo, passed away on March 1, 2011, in Orange County, Florida.
Based on the comprehensive investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has officially closed the case and is confident that Michael Rizzo was responsible for the death of Roslin Kruse.