A Florida man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the 2021 killing of a motel housekeeper. On Monday, February 3, Stephen Havrilka was sentenced to two life terms for the brutal death of 46-year-old Tina Strader, an employee at the Rodeway Inn in Venice, Florida.
Authorities say there was no known relationship between Havrilka and Strader. Assistant State Attorney Karen Fraivillig stated that investigators were unable to determine a clear motive but described Havrilka as an extremely violent individual with a history of aggression. “I think he just wanted to kill another human being,” Fraivillig told PEOPLE. “He needs to go away forever.”
Strader was last heard from on the morning of April 20, 2021. Her husband became concerned after sending multiple unanswered text messages. She was later found in a motel closet, severely beaten and unconscious, with a towel stuffed in her mouth. According to the Miami Herald, bloodstains covered the bed. Strader was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to her injuries hours later.
Surveillance footage captured Havrilka entering the room where Strader was working at 8:50 a.m.—just one minute after she had sent a text message to her husband. He remained inside for 14 minutes before leaving, carrying a white towel and his shoes. Investigators believe she was attacked immediately upon his entry.
During the court proceedings, Strader’s children expressed their grief in a statement read by Fraivillig. “The last thing my mother tasted was cotton,” they said, referring to the towel used to silence her. “Our mother will never be at our weddings. She will never be able to meet her grandchildren, kiss their heads, tell them stories, or share memories of being pregnant with us.”
Havrilka’s guilty plea avoids a lengthy trial, but his sentencing ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
