Topline: Florida prosecutors say they’ll seek the death penalty against a Tampa man accused of stabbing his girlfriend about 65 times inside their home.
Published: July 22, 2026 11:34 am ET
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Kyle Sanchez, left, and Amanda Roark (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office / taliaeliana on Instagram)
TAMPA, FL — Florida prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a Tampa man charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his girlfriend, who investigators say was stabbed about 65 times inside the couple’s home.
According to WFLA, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office filed a notice of intent to pursue death against 35-year-old Kyle Sanchez in the June 19 killing of 37-year-old Amanda Roark.
Earlier reporting on the case said Roark placed a 911 call during the attack and could be heard pleading for it to stop before the line went dead. About 12 minutes later, Sanchez allegedly called 911 himself and said he had murdered his girlfriend. Deputies who responded to the Tampa home said they found Sanchez covered in blood, while Roark had fatal wounds across her body.
Prosecutors have said the case meets Florida’s death penalty standards based on three aggravating factors: that the killing was cold, calculated and premeditated, that it happened during a kidnapping, and that it was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. Sanchez has pleaded not guilty, remains jailed without bond, and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 6. Assistant State Attorney Chinwe Fossett is listed as the lead prosecutor.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Tampa Man Accused of Stabbing Girlfriend 65 Times Now Faces Death Penalty
Florida prosecutors say they’ll seek the death penalty against a Tampa man accused of stabbing his girlfriend about 65 times inside their home.
By Aaron Stephensen
Published: July 22, 2026 11:34 am ET
Kyle Sanchez, left, and Amanda Roark (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office / taliaeliana on Instagram)
TAMPA, FL — Florida prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a Tampa man charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his girlfriend, who investigators say was stabbed about 65 times inside the couple’s home.
According to WFLA, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office filed a notice of intent to pursue death against 35-year-old Kyle Sanchez in the June 19 killing of 37-year-old Amanda Roark.
Earlier reporting on the case said Roark placed a 911 call during the attack and could be heard pleading for it to stop before the line went dead. About 12 minutes later, Sanchez allegedly called 911 himself and said he had murdered his girlfriend. Deputies who responded to the Tampa home said they found Sanchez covered in blood, while Roark had fatal wounds across her body.
Prosecutors have said the case meets Florida’s death penalty standards based on three aggravating factors: that the killing was cold, calculated and premeditated, that it happened during a kidnapping, and that it was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. Sanchez has pleaded not guilty, remains jailed without bond, and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 6. Assistant State Attorney Chinwe Fossett is listed as the lead prosecutor.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Tampa Man Accused of Stabbing Girlfriend 65 Times Now Faces Death Penalty
Florida prosecutors say they’ll seek the death penalty against a Tampa man accused of stabbing his girlfriend about 65 times inside their home.
By Aaron Stephensen
Published: July 22, 2026 11:34 am ET
Kyle Sanchez, left, and Amanda Roark (via Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office / taliaeliana on Instagram)
TAMPA, FL — Florida prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against a Tampa man charged with first-degree murder in the killing of his girlfriend, who investigators say was stabbed about 65 times inside the couple’s home.
According to WFLA, the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office filed a notice of intent to pursue death against 35-year-old Kyle Sanchez in the June 19 killing of 37-year-old Amanda Roark.
Earlier reporting on the case said Roark placed a 911 call during the attack and could be heard pleading for it to stop before the line went dead. About 12 minutes later, Sanchez allegedly called 911 himself and said he had murdered his girlfriend. Deputies who responded to the Tampa home said they found Sanchez covered in blood, while Roark had fatal wounds across her body.
Prosecutors have said the case meets Florida’s death penalty standards based on three aggravating factors: that the killing was cold, calculated and premeditated, that it happened during a kidnapping, and that it was especially heinous, atrocious or cruel. Sanchez has pleaded not guilty, remains jailed without bond, and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 6. Assistant State Attorney Chinwe Fossett is listed as the lead prosecutor.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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