Tony's relatives from the Philippines had moved to California, and there were many enjoyable family visits. Salvador Olivas Villegas, 87 of Odessa Texas passed away on June 14, 2021 in Odessa Texas. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. 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. And then [Lewis] told me that he went to her house. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Delano, California on facebook. Like our page to stay informed about passing of a loved one in Corpus Christi, Texas on facebook. But we forgive you, because we must, and release you into Gods hands for all eternity. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, sisters Della Meehan, Gloria Anderson and Alice Villegas. Lewis even helped her friend Coffey through her own embittered divorce. Let others know about your loved one's death. Billie Joan Villegas Obituary 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. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Fleischer suggested that Lewis may have been killed by someone else because of what was going on at the firm. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. He especially enjoyed it when Matt, Kevin or Carli would come for a visit and participate in remote camping, tournaments, New Years celebrations, weddings, sandcastle-building contests, working at Avis car rental, or Alaska travel service, the list goes on! After 22 years in Alaska, Arnold, Donnet and Rowan, along with his In-Laws Pat and Ted Vadman moved to Yuma, AZ in 2004 on Kevins birthday July 26th!! Villegas, Tony J., 88, returned to the Lord and his wife, Rosalie, peacefully on November 24, 2013. Facebook gives people the power to. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Vanished Into Thin Air will air on Monday, November 22, with a new episode. In the past, Tony has also been known as Tony C Villegas, Tony Jrj, Antonio Jrj Villegas, Antonio Jose Villegas and Antonio J Villegas. On the night that Melissa Lewis was killed, wherever Melissa Lewiss phone was, so was Tony Villegas phone.. The grocery bags were left behind and there was pepper spray all over the garage door. He was raised in Van Horn, Texas and attended school there. They brought Coffey and Homberg, the women closest to Melissa, in for more questioning. For more on this case and others like it, watch "Buried In The Backyard," airing Thursdays at 8/7c on Oxygen or stream episodes here. Tony has worked various jobs and several careers allthrough his life but the job He enjoyed most was ministering and bringing lost souls into the Kingdom of God.Tony gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 20 and faithfully, tirelessly served the Lord for over 60 years.Tony, succeeding His Father, began Pastoring "Move of God Church" in Monterey Park, Ca where He pastored for 17 years. Michael Villegas was called home to be with his heavenly father on February 20, 2019. Funeral and Mass is being celebrated in Clermont, FL on Saturday October 29. , 2022. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Police Reunite Parents With Toddler Found Wandering at 3 AM in Miramar, DeSantis Board Approves Suing Disney in Florida in Response to Federal Lawsuit. Three sisters, Linda Ochoa, Diane Gonzales and Elizabeth Marquez, a host of nieces, nephews, friends and many Christian children.To send flowers to the family of Antonio Jose Villegas Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Keep it Clean. Tony Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday in the 2008 death of Melissa Britt Lewis, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who was, at the time of her death, the best friend of Villegas estranged wife. Anthony Villegas, 88 of Moreno Valley, California Passed away on Thursday, September 29, 2011, at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. What he found was the body of Melissa Lewis. Based on Lewis' suit and the groceries found in her garage, investigators determined the struggle happened after she returned home. After finally breaking their long losing streak the week before, the Broncs softb, Are you looking to hire employees? Melissa returned from work sometime in the evening on March 5, 2008, but she didnt show up the next day. But I knew who Henry and Tony Villegas were. In 1994, Tony became a member of the United States Chaplains Association and was Ordained a Minister of the Gospel by Crusade of Hope Ministries. He is survived by his 4 children, Norma, Mike, Rick and Rosemarie; and his sister, Josie, all of whom were with him at his bedside. And she suffered the consequences.. It was one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in United States history. While we are very sad to lose our Dad and Poppie, we take comfort knowing he is back in Moms arms where they dance again to the tunes of Frank Sinatra and Perry Como in Heaven. Arnold always found the time to pursue the things he loved to do, fishing, softball (pitcher), travel, ride his motorcycle, cook for family and friends and hang out with the Samoans. Coffey also found a button from Lewis' suit on the floor. He is survived by his sons, Jerry Tony Villegas and Felix James Villegas. Debras son, Caleb, later testified that his father didnt like that. Search Corpus Christi obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Michael Villegas | The Van Horn Advocate Afterward, Haberl embraced Villegas sister. He adored them and was extremely proud of their achievements and the adults they became. Scott Rothstein is serving 50 years for racketeering, money laundering, and mail and wire fraud. person will not be tolerated. She also spoke after the verdict. Search Las Vegas obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Daughters Cindy Villegas Alvarez, Cristina Gene. Obituary. He reunited with old friends and established new ones. Melissa would have been horrified, said Coffey. FORT LAUDERDALE A South Florida man has been sentenced to life in prison for strangling his estranged wife's friend. He is survived by 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The beloved 39-year-old initially worked at a hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before she got her GED and went to college. Tony was still sharp; an avid follower of national politics and financial markets. 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. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Tony Villegas | Obituaries | parkerpioneer.net "I was extremely proud of her, the whole family was proud of her, she was going to be the next matriarch in the family and she was just taken away just like that," Lewis' mother, Lisa La Pointe, said after Monday's hearing. A South Florida man accused of killing a former law partner of notorious Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein was found guilty Monday. The prosecution also stated that he was envious of Lewis' friendship with Villegas' wife at the time of her death. The waterways run through the backyards of Floridian homes, not far from where Melissa Lewis lived.The 39-year-old lawyer relocated to the Sunshine State when a job opportunity presented itself at the prestigious Rothstein Rosenfeldt Adler law firm, where her best friend, Debra Coffey, worked. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; daughters Sherri, Robin and Tina; grandchildren Roberto Jr., Rafael, Marcos, Shanetta, Vanessa, and Jessica; great grandchildren Ezekiel, Chyanne, Jaiden, Sierra, and Matthew Jr. 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. Melissas aunt said after his conviction, With this selfish act of jealousy, you not only violated our family but your own too. Villegas was accused of blaming Melissa for his marital problems with his wife and the victim's best friend, Debra Coffey, who was also the law firm's COO. No doubt, the two are together again. forever!. Tony Villegas guilty of murdering partner in, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Tony Villegas guilty of murdering partner in Rothstein law firm, Palm Beach Sheriffs Office deputy shoots knife-wielding man in Boynton Beach, First Republic Bank seized, sold in fire sale to JPMorgan, Key things to know about Floridas pending abortion ruling, DeSantis oversight board votes to sue Disney. They also often visited with his sister Ofie, parents and family in the NY/NJ area. As patriarch to his extended family, he is responsible for sponsoring the new US lives of many Filipino relatives, to which they and their families are forever grateful. It was just the worst. A tearful Coffey said that she lives in regret. Homberg said she spoke with Lewis the previous evening. Because it was then that I realized that shes gone because of me.. Then, a legal issue that her firm was embroiled in only added to the chaos. To plant trees in memory, please visit the, I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Tony but i was fortunate to meet his son Rick and his wonderful family. Obituary- David Villegas. Left behind were bagged groceries and pepper spray all over the garage door and around the pet door. We love you! Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Lewis was found dead in a canal near Plantation after her SUV was found nearby. He was the 2nd eldest of 8 children.Tony attended Brooklyn Elementary, Kern Middle, and Garfield High schools. A viewing for Thomas will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 . Villegas was sentenced to life in prison. Photos/Video. Thomas Villegas Obituary - Downey, CA 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. Pointing to Tony Villegas, prosecutor Shari Tate said: Villegas was sentenced to life in prison and remains behind bars at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Lake City, Florida. Stan Wilmer Obituary (2022) - Durango, CO - The Durango Herald - Legacy.com Dec 18, 2014 at 4:08 pm. She also revealed that Villegas worked as a train conductor on the same direct path where Lewis' phone moved into Palm Beach County the morning after the murder. Prosecutors and investigators do not believe that the murder had anything to do with the $1.6 billion scheme, but that Villegas blamed Lewis for the breakup of his marriage. 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 . As purported, records showed Lewis leaving work and stopping at the Publix grocery store. He is survived by his 4 children, Norma, Mike, Rick and Rosemarie;. The defense didnt provide an alternative motive for the murder but stressed reasonable doubt. Tony Villegas was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Melissa Lewis and was given a mandatory life sentence. Villegas' attorney, Bruce Fleisher, said he thinks Rothstein may be connected. Antonio aka (Tony) J. Villegas, Jr. Was born on May 19, 1941 to Antonio Villegas and Phyllis Puerto in Los Angeles, Ca. Debra Coffey was sentenced to 10 years for her role in the Ponzi scheme and was released on parole after three and a half years. Anthony Villegas 08/11/1964 - 09/17/2011 Arrangements under the direction of Imperial Funeral Home, Pueblo, CO. Jose "Tony" Antonio Muniz- Villegas It was humiliating. Missy was an advocate for victims of domestic violence, said Homberg. He was found guilty of first-degree murder eight years later and was given a mandatory life sentence. 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 . Tony worked at Parker High School as a maintenance engineer and retired in 2008. Melissa was born in Jacksonville, Florida, in November 1968. We spoke with him, and he had a reasonable alibi on the night she went missing, said Kendall. The theory didnt hold up, said Kendall. Tony Jose Villegas, 81 - Apple Valley, CA - MyLife.com Arnold Villegas unexpectedly passed away due to heart complications on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ. Tate said Villegas grew jealous of Lewis closeness to his estranged wife and children until he lost control, waiting for Lewis to come home from work on March 5, 2008 and strangling her to death with his bare hands. Melissa's car was missing. We will continue to pray for your children and your family.. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Please logout and login again. or anything. Born on August 31, 1928 as the son of Eugenia and . Failing to get an exact location for the phone, they turned back to Homberg and Coffey to glean information about anyone Lewis could have known in Hialeah. "Mr. Rothstein was fraternal order of police counsel for the Plantation Police Department, he represented them personally and there are other shall we say Rothstein tentacles connected to this case that we were not permitted to go into," he said. Could somebody have followed her in to commit a home burglary? Villegas was arrested on allegations of strangling the victim, a renowned attorney, to death at her Plantation home. Your work is done here Arnie, youve done your part in making this a better world. As Ditas became more affected by Parkinsons disease, Tony lovingly cared for her full timehimself being in his late 80s and early 90s. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Investigation Discoverys Six Degrees of Murder: Going Places delves into this very case. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. I just want to send my love and condolences to the family at this time. Pepper spray was all over the crime scene the garage of Lewis Plantation home. Who Receive obituaries Renato De Leon Quinto (Rafael Olmeda, Dylan Bouscher/South . Information about the Ponzi scheme and Coffeys involvement was kept from jurors at Villegas trial. They found the car within walking distance of Lewis' home, but there was no sign of the missing woman. Post Now Post. Melissa Lewis was not named as ever being part of the Ponzi scheme. I told the police, Melissa did help me fill out the divorce papers, said Homberg. That is a premeditated intent to take the life of another human being, a life that he had no right to take.. Jerry Villegas Obituary (2008) - Dallas, TX - Dallas Morning News He is the son of Mariano & Josefina Villegas of San Bernardino. The Sun Sentinel reported that Tony Villegas was sentenced . She worked for Rothstein Rosenfeldt & Adler, eventually making partner. Tony Villegas was found guilty of first-degree murder Monday in the 2008 death of Melissa Britt Lewis, a Fort Lauderdale lawyer who was, at the time of her death, the best friend of Villegas'. In the same month, Tony was sentenced to life in prison. Arnie had so many wonderful friends and family spread all over the place, everywhere that he went he would bring smiles and warm welcomes, he was bigger than life and a hero to his kids, and soul-mate to his wife, the best brother, uncle, son, cousin, partner, that anyone could ever want. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Tony's hard working nature remained steadfast as he provided for his family. So her disappearance was really unusual.. The next morning, the cell phone traveled again, this time on a direct and straight path up to Palm Beach County. An upcoming episode of Vanished Into Thin Air on the ID will chronicle the strangulation murder of Melissa Lewis by Anthony Villegas, a case that took years to bring the culprit to justice. Tony Villegas was born on 05/19/1941 and is 81 years old. Villegas DNA was found on the jacket Lewis was wearing when she died the jacket was left in Lewis car and discovered by investigators. Las Vegas Obituaries - Latest Obituaries in Las Vegas, NV - Echovita 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.