A man from Florida has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a hotel housekeeper who was found dead in a motel room. The tragic incident happened in 2021 at the Rodeway Inn in Venice, where 34-year-old Stephen Havrilka attacked and killed Tina Strader while she was cleaning a room.
Tina was a hardworking housekeeper who always made sure to keep her husband, Gerald Strader, informed about her work. On the day of the attack, she texted him before entering room 205 to clean it. This was something she always did so he would know where she was. If a room was particularly messy, she would mention that it might take her longer than usual. However, after sending that message, she never responded to any of his texts again. Worried about her silence, Gerald went to look for her at the motel.
When he arrived, he found his wife unconscious inside the room with a towel stuffed in her mouth. He immediately tried to save her, but despite his efforts, Tina was later pronounced dead. The scene was horrifying, and authorities quickly began searching for the person responsible.
Shortly after Tina was found, police received reports about a man behaving strangely on a street near the motel. Witnesses said he seemed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When officers arrived, they identified the man as Stephen Havrilka. He was arrested and later charged with Tina’s murder.
During Havrilka’s sentencing, Assistant State Attorney Karen Fraivillig read an emotional statement from Tina’s children. The statement described the pain of losing their mother in such a brutal way. One heartbreaking detail was that the last thing Tina tasted was a dry towel that had been forced into her mouth and throat, which ultimately caused her death. The family’s grief was clear, and they wanted justice for their beloved mother.
In addition to receiving a life sentence for murder, Havrilka was also given another life sentence for a separate violent incident. Last year, while being held in the Sarasota County Jail, he attacked another person with a deadly weapon. This second conviction added to the seriousness of his crimes and ensured that he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Tina Strader’s death was a devastating loss for her family, friends, and colleagues. She was known for her kindness and dedication to her work. Her husband, who had shared a loving life with her, was left heartbroken by the tragedy. The sentencing of her killer brought some closure to her loved ones, but the pain of losing her in such a violent manner will always remain.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers that some workers face while simply doing their jobs. It also highlights the importance of swift justice for victims and their families. While nothing can bring Tina back, her memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
