Sandra Lee "Sandee" Rozzo, a bartender from Pinellas Park, Florida, was tragically murdered on July 5, 2003. Rozzo was shot to death in her driveway after returning home from her shift at the Green Iguana, a local bar. She was found in her car, having been shot eight times at point-blank range. The investigation into her murder revealed a deeply troubling and premeditated plot orchestrated by her ex-boyfriend, Timothy "Tracey" Humphrey, and his wife, Ashley Laney Humphrey.
Timothy
Humphrey, who had a history of criminal behavior including motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, and aggravated assault, had previously been in a volatile relationship with Rozzo. Their relationship ended after Humphrey assaulted Rozzo, leading to criminal proceedings against him. He was due to stand trial for felony battery and sexual assault against Rozzo just a month after her murder. On July 4, 2003, one day before Rozzo's murder, Humphrey married Ashley Laney.
The investigation quickly focused on Timothy Humphrey as the prime suspect. However, he had an alibi, claiming he was at his apartment in Brandon, Florida, ordering pizza at the time of the murder. This alibi was corroborated by an acquaintance. Despite this, further investigation revealed that Ashley Humphrey was not at home during the crime. Cell phone records placed her in Pinellas Park at the time of Rozzo's murder.
Ashley Humphrey was arrested for first-degree murder, and Timothy Humphrey was charged with federal firearms possession. While in custody, Ashley decided to cooperate with authorities. She confessed to shooting Rozzo but claimed she did so under her husband's direction. She provided detailed accounts of the murder plot and another failed attempt to kill Rozzo. In a plea bargain, Ashley was allowed to plead guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for her testimony against Timothy.
Timothy Humphrey's murder trial began in February 2006. Ashley testified against him, describing how she waited for Rozzo to finish her shift and then followed her home, where she shot her multiple times. Timothy, in his defense, claimed that the murder was Ashley's idea. Despite his defense, the evidence and Ashley's testimony led to his conviction for first-degree murder. This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the lengths to which individuals may go to escape justice.
