Robert Leroy Connor II, 57, was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday morning, concluding a case stemming from a violent home invasion and armed robbery that occurred in The Villages on June 12, 2023.
A jury convicted Connor in September on all charges: Robbery with a Weapon, two counts of False Imprisonment While Armed, and Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
In addition to the life sentence, Connor received concurrent sentences of 30 years for each count of false imprisonment and 10 years for the grand theft charge.
The incident unfolded around 10 a.m. when Connor approached the victim’s residence, using a ruse to gain entry by asking to have a water bottle refilled. Believing he was in distress due to his flushed appearance, the first victim invited him inside, while the second victim provided him with a glass of water.
Once inside, Connor did not use the phone he requested to make a call. Instead, he brandished a weapon and demanded money from both victims. When the initial cash provided was insufficient, Connor escalated his demands, seeking the victims’ bank account information.
The court heard testimony detailing the terrifying ordeal, including one instance where Connor held a gun to the head of the first victim. He then proceeded to bind and tie both victims’ arms and hands, incapacitating them.
After restraining the residents, Connor ransacked various rooms, stealing belongings, including a jewelry box, before taking the keys to the victims’ vehicle.
As Connor moved toward the garage exit, one of the victims managed to reach the front door and lock it, prompting Connor to attempt to kick in the door before he fled the scene in the stolen vehicle.
The stolen car was later recovered by law enforcement. Surveillance footage showed Connor abandoning the vehicle. Crucially, law enforcement collected DNA evidence from both the car and the victims’ home, with multiple traces of Connor’s DNA leading directly to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
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