Joseph Raymond Romano, age 71, was last known to have contact with anyone on January 3, 2025, at his residence in Riverview, Florida. His disappearance was officially reported on January 16, when Hillsborough County deputies received notice that he had not been heard from since that early January date.
The case began as a missing person investigation but quickly evolved into a full homicide inquiry. Detectives discovered that Joseph Schiliro, age 45, had been seen attempting to retrieve Romano’s mail from his apartment complex, raising immediate concern. Further investigation revealed a disturbing financial fraud scheme: significant sums of money had been transferred from Romano’s accounts into fraudulent accounts linked to Schiliro.
Investigators also learned that Silviano Christman, age 31, flew from New York to Tampa on January 3, 2025—the same day Romano was last seen—and was in the company of Schiliro during that time. This link between the two men and the victim's final sighting created a chilling turn in the narrative.
On February 13, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Schiliro’s residence in Valrico. There, buried in the backyard, were the dismembered remains of Joseph Romano. The discovery transformed the case into a homicide investigation characterized by both tragic violence and betrayal.
Subsequently, both suspects were taken into custody. Silviano Christman was arrested by the New York Police Department’s Regional Fugitive Task Force on February 20 and faces charges including premeditated first‑degree murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated first‑degree murder, burglary with battery, abuse of a dead body, and fraudulent use of personally identifiable information of a deceased person. Joseph Schiliro was apprehended by a U.S. Marshals Task Force in Pinellas County on February 21, 2025, and is facing multiple serious charges as well: premeditated first‑degree murder, conspiracy to commit premeditated first‑degree murder, burglary with battery, fraudulent use of personally identifiable information of a deceased person, additional fraudulent use of personally identifiable information, money laundering, and exploitation of a disabled adult.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister responded to the case by denouncing the actions of the two men as “despicable and deeply disturbing,” emphasizing that “through deceit and violence, they exploited and took the life of another individual.” He also acknowledged the dedicated efforts of his detectives and law enforcement partners, affirming the department’s commitment to seeking justice for Romano and his family.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to uncover the full scope of the relationship between Romano and the suspects, and the precise timeline of the events that led to this tragedy.
This matter stands as a profound tragedy: a vulnerable elder, reportedly struggling with an advanced terminal illness and relying on assistance in daily life, was betrayed in the cruellest way possible—manipulated and murdered by individuals he knew and trusted. The case deeply resonates with grief and loss, and underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting our most vulnerable community members.
Last Seen: Jan 03, 2025
