On Wednesday morning, Robert Leroy Connor II, aged 57, faced the consequences of his actions when he was sentenced to life in prison. This decision wrapped up a case related to a brutal home invasion and armed robbery that unfolded in The Villages back on June 12, 2023.
In September, a jury found Connor guilty on multiple charges, including Robbery with a Weapon, two counts of False Imprisonment While Armed, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
Beyond the life sentence, Connor received additional 30-year sentences for each count of false imprisonment, along with a 10-year sentence for grand theft.
The dramatic events began around 10 a.m. when Connor approached the victims’ home, cleverly gaining their trust under the pretense of needing to refill a water bottle. Misinterpreting his flushed face as a sign of distress, one victim welcomed him inside, while the other filled up a glass of water for him.
However, once in the house, Connor had no intention of calling anyone. Instead, he pulled out a weapon and demanded cash from both individuals. After the initial money wasn’t enough, he ominously escalated, asking for their bank account details.
Testimonies in court unveiled the horrifying experiences the victims went through, including a shocking moment when Connor pointed a gun at one victim’s head. He forcibly bound and restrained both individuals, rendering them helpless.
With the victims incapacitated, Connor searched through various rooms, stealing valuable items like a jewelry box, before seizing the keys to their car.
As he was making his way to the garage, one victim courageously locked the front door, leading to Connor’s frustrated attempt to kick it down before he escaped in the stolen vehicle.
Fortunately, law enforcement swiftly recovered the stolen car later on. Surveillance footage captured him abandoning it, and crucial DNA evidence collected from both the vehicle and the victims’ home linked Connor directly to the crime, leading to his arrest and conviction.
