Remains of missing man found buried in backyard, 2 suspects arrested for alleged fraud: HCSO

Two arrested in fraud scheme that led to murder

FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports that the remains of a missing man were found buried in the backyard of one of the suspects in Valrico, according to Hillsborough County detectives. Detectives say they observed Joseph Schiliro trying to take mail from the victim's residence after he was reported missing on Jan. 16.

VALRICO, Fla. - Two people have been arrested after Hillsborough County detectives say they discovered the body of a missing man buried in the backyard of one of the suspects in Valrico.

Remains of a missing man were found buried in the backyard of one of the suspects in Valrico, according to Hillsborough County detectives.

The backstory:

Joseph Romano was reported missing on Jan. 16 and during the investigation, detectives say they saw 45-year-old Joseph Schiliro trying to take Romano's mail from the apartment complex he lived at.

Investigators also say they discovered that large amounts of money were transferred from the victim's accounts to fraudulent accounts linked to Schiliro.

Investigators say the other suspect, 31-year-old Silviano Christman, flew to Tampa from New York on Jan. 3 and was with Schiliro during that time.

On Feb. 13, a search warrant was issued for Schiliro's home, where detectives found dismembered human remains buried in the backyard.

"This is a horrific case where an elderly individual was taken advantage of, and ultimately, he lost his life to two suspects who committed a heinous crime," said Caitlin Wilson with HCSO.

Schiliro was arrested in Pinellas County by the U.S. Marshals Task Force on Thursday and Christman was arrested by the New York Police Department Regional Fugitive Task Force on Friday.

Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

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Charges

Joseph Schiliro

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

Silviano Christman

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

What they're saying:

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says he is committed to seeing justice through after these unsettling actions.

"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 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."

What we don't know:

Investigators can’t yet confirm the relationship between these men and the older victim, but say they all knew each other.

An investigation is underway.

Local perspective:

Neighbors said forensics teams were first seen in the area almost two weeks ago, leaving residents on edge waiting for answers until the arrests Monday.

"It’s just been very unsettling the past couple of weeks, not knowing and the uncertainty – and to know that this could happen in your neighborhood. But no one really knew him, he kept to himself. Now that there has been an arrest, it has given little bit a closure," said one neighbor.

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The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

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