Death penalty sought for double murder suspect in Hillsborough County

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The State Attorney’s Office announced it will seek the death penalty for a suspect accused of stabbing two people to death in Hillsborough County.

On July 13, Silvio Peralta was arrested on two counts of premeditated first-degree murder, two counts of armed burglary of a dwelling, and armed burglary.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Peralta entered the victim’s home and stabbed a 31-year-old woman multiple times inside the bathroom that day.

He then allegedly stole her car and drove to the second victim’s home. The second victim, a 34-year-old man, was found dead in his driveway from multiple stab wounds.

Deputies attempted a traffic stop of Peralta but he fled from law enforcement, ditched the car, and ran from deputies before being arrested.

“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.”

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