Mementos. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Jose Antonio "Tony" Villegas-Muniz, passed away on August 7, 2010, from a fatal car accident in Ontario California. He was born in Los Angeles, California on September 9 . His big smile, unbelievable sense of humor, and his big reassuring bear hugs! It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. A viewing for Thomas will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 . Leave condolences in the Guest Book, send sympathy flowers, and pay respect to your loved one. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. We were not permitted to go into the Rothstein connection to this case, and that will be subject to appeal, among other things, he said. Prosecutor Shari Tate told jurors they had no choice but to convict, based on the evidence. Antonio Villegas Obituary (1941 - 2021) - Legacy Remembers Previously cities included West Covina CA, Riverside CA and Mira Loma CA. Sometime in 2002, she married a lawyer, but that ended in divorce about five years later. Obituary. Lewis reportedly left her workplace around 5:00 p.m. on March 5 and went to a Publix grocery store before returning home. Arnold engaged in various culinary opportunities before reestablishing his law enforcement career at Lemon Creek Correctional Center. Albert C. Villegas Obituary David Villegas | The Van Horn Advocate - Donuts Its senseless.. If she set her mind towards something, she accomplished the goal.. Lewis was found dead in a canal near Plantation after her SUV was found nearby. The families of the defendant and the victim have been cordial throughout the weeklong trial, with Lewis sister, mother, aunt and niece all indicating that they hold no grudges against those who were close to Villegas. Thomas Ray Villegas, age 77, of Commerce, California passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022. He was very proud of his children and grandchildrens education, work and life endeavors. Debras son, Caleb, later testified that his father didnt like that. A man who had rented Tony a room stated that he saw him wash his hands and arms to remove pepper spray residue. He was born in Los Angeles on September 17, 1952 to Parents, Conrado Humberto and Nena Villegas. Villegas' attorney, Bruce Fleisher, said he thinks Rothstein may be connected. Be the first to post a memory or condolences. Mabel lived her entire life in Gilcrest, graduating from Valley High School in 1972. Our dearly loved Father, Grandfather, "Poppie", and Husband, Antonio "Tony" Villegas, 94, of Clermont, Florida passed away on Sunday, October 23, 2022 and is now reunited with his recently deceased wife of 59 years and our beloved Mother Lourdes Bernadita "Ditas" Villegas. He was the 2nd eldest of 8 . Who Receive obituaries Renato De Leon Quinto Surveillance video put her in the store but failed to show a suspect who could have followed her. Fleischer suggested that Lewis may have been killed by someone else because of what was going on at the firm. Scott Rothstein is serving 50 years for racketeering, money laundering, and mail and wire fraud. It was a profession to which he was passionate and loved. Around the time Debra separated from Tony, Melissa grew closer to her. He was born July 24, 1931 in El Paso,. Or even possibly a carjacking?. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. Be Nice. Your login session has expired. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. They brought Coffey and Homberg, the women closest to Melissa, in for more questioning. We are all so blessed to have had Arnie in our lives, his huge heart and unselfish ways are what made him such a great man. Vanished Into Thin Air will air on Monday, November 22, with a new episode. Villegas, 52, was arrested in 2008 and charged with the death of Lewis, the best friend of Villegas now ex-wife Debra, who was the COO of the now defunct law firm. The investigators started to question everyone involved in Melissas life. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Arrangements under the direction of Crestview Funeral Home, El Paso, TX. Tony Villegas, a South Florida man, was accused and found guilty of murdering Melissa Lewis, a top Fort Lauderdale attorney at the now-dissolved Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm in March 2008. In the past, Tony has also been known as Tony C Villegas, Tony Jrj, Antonio Jrj Villegas, Antonio Jose Villegas and Antonio J Villegas. She had been strangled to death. Investigation Discoverys Six Degrees of Murder: Going Places delves into this very case. Search Corpus Christi obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. The city of Plantation winds with a series of manufactured canals in Floridas Everglade wetlands. His roommate said that on the night Melissa Lewis went missing, Tony Villegas came home late that night and had asked if he knew of a way to wash off or get rid of pepper spray on your body, said Tate-Jenkins. The theory didnt hold up, said Kendall. 6410 Obituaries. During those years in Pottstown, Tony and Ditas cherished time with friends and family, while also traveling and cruising through the US, Caribbean, Europe, Asia and South America. Left to share his wonderful legacy are: his loving and devoted wife of 35 years Sabrina, sons Johnny Villegas, David Villegas and Antonio Villegas, III. The jury signaled it had reached a decision at 2:35 p.m., less than two hours after closing arguments ended Monday morning. Antonio aka (Tony) J. Villegas, Jr. Was born on May 19, 1941 to Antonio Villegas and Phyllis Puerto in Los Angeles, Ca. Family and friends could always rely on Tony's prayers and his laying of the hands. With this selfish act of jealousy, you not only violated our family, but your own too, she said to Villegas. He is survived by his parents and loving companion, Virginia Zaragosa, daughters, Daisy and Toni Villegas of Victorville, California. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. She also spoke after the verdict. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. He sponsored the Yuma Scorpions, befriended Mike Marshall from the Los Angeles Dodgers, and hosted classic car gatherings such as the Show and Shine. Pepper spray was all over the crime scene the garage of Lewis Plantation home. The Sun Sentinel reported that Tony Villegas was sentenced . Editorial: Expulsion of legislators should be a last resort, Broncs finish rough 2023 season with two losses, Hiring/career expo April 26 at Parker High, Sheriffs Office awarded almost $700K in grants, Senate hopeful Rep. Gallego visits Parker. In 2001 Tony joined the Association of International Gospel Assemblies, Incorporated.Tony married his first wife Christine Almaraz and birthed 5 beautiful children. I told the police, Melissa did help me fill out the divorce papers, said Homberg. Search Las Vegas obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Antonio Jose Villegas Obituary Eight years after he strangled Lewis to death on the floor of her garage and dumped her in the canal, Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder. Grandchildren: Michael, Brandon, and Tommy Grandchildren: Kobe and Kayli, Great-Granddaughter: Dawson Grandchildren: Trace and Macy Children: Terri Jean, Sara, Tony, Carolann (Sonny) and Ernie (Christine), Children: Steve (Ali), Brian (Candace) and Tim (Tiffany). A South Florida man accused of killing a former law partner of notorious Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein was found guilty Monday. Broward Circuit Judge Jeffrey R. Levenson sentenced Villegas to life in prison, a mandatory term. They kept in close touch with their daughters and grandchildren and always enjoyed their visits. Afterward, Haberl embraced Villegas sister. Thomas Villegas Obituary - Downey, CA Tony introduced the kids to his love of bowling, fishing, grunion hunting, and cooking. He is survived by 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Tony and Ditas moved to Kings Ridge in Clermont FL in 2009 to escape winters and be closer to their sons young family. According to Lewis' sister, Carrie Homberg, she was on an ambitious path with the aim of one day becoming a judge. Jose Muniz-Villegas Obituary - Colton, CA He is also survived by his brothers Pablo, Danny, and Narsis; his sister, Cora; his mother-in-law Maxine; and brothers in law Donnie, Bobby Jr., and Wayne. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. He was the 2nd eldest of 8 children.Tony attended Brooklyn Elementary, Kern Middle, and Garfield High schools. We spoke with him, and he had a reasonable alibi on the night she went missing, said Kendall. OBITUARY Thomas Ray Villegas January 31, 1945 - September 9, 2022. In depositions during the federal investigation into the Ponzi scheme, Rothstein denied any connection with Lewis death. person will not be tolerated. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Antonio Villegas is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, his younger sister, and his parents. A Rosary will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 7pm at Martinez Funeral Home Outside Chapel.</p> <p>Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at 10 . She always wanted to be a lawyer, and her dream came true after university. And then [Lewis] told me that he went to her house. Share a memory. It was just the worst. Salvador Olivas Villegas, 87 of Odessa Texas passed away on June 14, 2021 in Odessa Texas. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Sign up forOxygen Insiderfor all the best true crime content. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Delano, California on facebook. Arnold and Donnet had a son Rowan in 1997, who will forever be a blessing. Crime News is your destination for true crime stories from around the world, breaking crime news, and information about Oxygen's original true crime shows and documentaries. He is the son of Mariano & Josefina Villegas of San Bernardino. Speaking about the conversation with his roommate, lead prosecutor Shari Tate-Jenkins said: Authorities claimed that Villegas' cellphone's electronic pings and DNA evidence connected him to the crime scene. Coffey was open with officers, explaining she was going through a rough divorce with Tony Villegas. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. The search for the person who strangled Melissa Lewis to death and dumped her in a canal led to many twists and turns. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Las Vegas, Nevada on facebook. Mass was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parker. And signals from Lewis cellphone followed Villegas from the scene to his home in Miami the night she disappeared, then up to Broward and along the route Villegas took at work as a conductor for the FEC railroad the following day. As a baby David had beautiful curly hair and possessed a smile that could light up a Anthony Villegas, 88 of Moreno Valley, California Passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. He worked multiple jobs to put himself through college and medical school at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, all to make a better life for his family. Because the phone stopped for the night in Hialeah, authorities believed the killer did, too. Stan was born in Durango, Colorado on June 27, 1949, and was the 5th generation of the Wilmer family to live in the area. Her success and busy work did not keep her from her family, especially her nieces, whom she was very close to. Post Now Post. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. She did nothing but become a friend of your wife. There was speculation of the murder being related to Scott Rothsteins Ponzi scheme, but Melissa was never implicated in that case. Tony Villegas was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Melissa Lewis and was given a mandatory life sentence. The track of the cell phone is mirroring where Tony Villegas would be. It took jurors less than two hours to convict him. It might be motive for Rothstein or Coffey to eliminate her, if so. "Mexican Theater," the Villegas brothers' homegrown television program, was a Sunday-morning staple in many Tucson Mexican homes. After moving to Yuma, AZ and working at the family restaurant, he started his career with the Yuma County Sheriffs Department embracing the opportunity to work with various task forces, which lead to long-standing friendships. She worked for Rothstein Rosenfeldt & Adler, eventually making partner. Michael Villegas | The Van Horn Advocate Filter by State in . Arnold Villegas Obituary - Yuma, AZ Where he assisted his older brother Conrad with remote cable installation and worked for the Waterfall Corp. in Ketchikan making memories with some amazing individuals. Who Where Receive obituaries Marco A. Leyva March 25, 2023 (66 years old) View obituary Elvira Mercado March 15, 2023 (97 years old) View obituary He stated that Tony blamed Melissa for his separation, adding, At one point, he told me that he felt Melissa and my mom were scheming, and they were getting a divorce around the same time so they could hang out. The investigators arrested Tony a week after the murder. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. In my experience, people arent put in the back of a stolen vehicle and driven away somewhere. Salvador Olivas Villegas Obituary - tributearchive.com Find Tony Villegas obituaries and memorials at Legacy.com Both Debra and her children stated that he was abusive. So, if youre curious about what happened to Melissa, weve got you covered. TONY VILLEGAS Obituary (2013) - Santa Ana, CA - Orange County Register Here Arnold followed his heart and went to work for Tylers Taste of Texas which lead to an opportunity to open his own restaurant, Arnies Caf. Rothstein's right-hand woman to be released from prison Tony was still sharp; an avid follower of national politics and financial markets. Melissa returned from work sometime in the evening on March 5, 2008, but she didnt show up the next day. May 22, 1946 to March 14, 2009. It was during this time, he started moon lighting as a Security Officer for AWC where he remained until the end. Arnold Villegas unexpectedly passed away due to heart complications on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ. Billie Joan Villegas <p>On the Day You were Born 02-21-1932 5 Angels got together and decided that you would be Our Mom so we sprinkled Stardust in your eyes and waited for our Dreams to Come True. Here's What You Actually Saw, Check Your Change! They rocked on the tube. They found the car within walking distance of Lewis' home, but there was no sign of the missing woman. Tony Villegas is serving a life sentence at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl (Haley) Wilmer, his 4 children, Tony (Annie) Wilmer of Westminster, Colorado, Stephanie (George) Villegas of Brighton, Colorado, Jennifer Wilmer of Bayfield, Colorado, and Jon . Melissa Lewis was not named as ever being part of the Ponzi scheme. Tony mentored, trained and dicipled all those that were hungry.Tony attended the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry in 1961 and 1965 receiving his diploma of completion form Deeper Life Truth Bible Institute in National City, CA. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send flowers or gifts in memory of a loved one. There are no winners in this case, Levenson said, calling Lewis an innocent victim who did not deserve her fate. Aug 23, 1957 - Feb 27, 2017. Funeral and Mass is being celebrated in Clermont, FL on Saturday October 29. , 2022. He is survived by: his Sister Ofelia Bautista (Ben) of North Bellmore, NY; nephews Benedict and Reginald Bautista (Aurora, CO), and niece Ryna Bautista (N. Bellmore); Daughter Mary Ellen Villegas Rudel (Theodore), Morristown, NJ and Lake George, NY; Son Ray Villegas and wife Megan Slate Villegas, Clermont; Grandchildren Holly Rudel, New Haven CT; Christopher Rudel, Alpharetta, GA; Grace Villegas, and Alexander Villegas, Clermont.