The State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty in the brutal stabbing deaths of two people in Hillsborough County before fleeing.
35-year-old Silvio Peralta is charged with two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, two counts of armed burglary of a dwelling, and armed burglary.
On July 13, 2024, Peralta entered the first victim’s home and stabbed a 31-year-old woman multiple times inside the bathroom. The victim’s 5-year-old child was present and told people that the defendant killed her mother. Peralta then stole the victim’s vehicle and drove to the second victim’s home on N. Packwood Avenue. The second victim, a 34-year-old male, was found dead in the driveway with multiple stab wounds.
Later that afternoon, deputies attempted to stop Peralta while he was driving on Armand Dr. The defendant fled from law enforcement, ditched the car, and ran until deputies were able to capture and place him under arrest.
According to the State Attorney, both homicides were committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner while the defendant was engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, a burglary. Both were also especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
“The defendant made a calculated decision to brutally stab and kill two innocent people, and he will be held accountable,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “In one of the murders, a 5-year-old child witnessed things no grown adult should ever see. These families’ lives have been forever changed, and we will stand by them as we fight for justice together.”
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City.
