Anastasia Nicolazzi

Prior to Rodarte's trial, his legal team filed what's called a stand-your-ground motion, claiming that Savannah had attacked him in the backseat of his car and that he grabbed her neck in an effort to defend himself, resulting in her death. So despite his confession, Rodarte did not take full responsibility for his actions when he got to court.

Prior to Rodarte's trial, his legal team filed what's called a stand-your-ground motion, claiming that Savannah had attacked him in the backseat of his car and that he grabbed her neck in an effort to defend himself, resulting in her death. So despite his confession, Rodarte did not take full responsibility for his actions when he got to court.

For sure. And there were also other things that pointed to this self-defense claim being completely untrue. But I think that the best evidence that this wasn't an accident was what he did in the immediate aftermath of her death. He didn't call for help or attempt to resuscitate her. Instead, he attempted to cover up his crime by slashing her tires to make it look like she may have been abducted.

For sure. And there were also other things that pointed to this self-defense claim being completely untrue. But I think that the best evidence that this wasn't an accident was what he did in the immediate aftermath of her death. He didn't call for help or attempt to resuscitate her. Instead, he attempted to cover up his crime by slashing her tires to make it look like she may have been abducted.

And then he disposed of her body in one of the cruelest ways imaginable.

And then he disposed of her body in one of the cruelest ways imaginable.

Savannah defended herself against a bully, even leaving the marks of her efforts on his neck. But in the end, the 29-year-old man overpowered her.

Savannah defended herself against a bully, even leaving the marks of her efforts on his neck. But in the end, the 29-year-old man overpowered her.

Florida prosecutors had a strong case to seek the death penalty. But in the end, Savannah's own family demonstrated mercy, mercy never afforded to their young daughter.

Florida prosecutors had a strong case to seek the death penalty. But in the end, Savannah's own family demonstrated mercy, mercy never afforded to their young daughter.

the murder of a loved one is a life-changing event that can cause, of course, lasting trauma. But it's also important to know the effect they can have on the members of law enforcement and prosecutors that dedicate themselves to seeking justice for these victims.

the murder of a loved one is a life-changing event that can cause, of course, lasting trauma. But it's also important to know the effect they can have on the members of law enforcement and prosecutors that dedicate themselves to seeking justice for these victims.

What happened to Savannah is yet another reminder of how very precious every day of life can truly be. She went to work one evening thinking it would be like any other night, but it would prove to be her last night alive. taken from this earth forever by violence, leaving her family and I'm sure so many other people left to mourn the loss and be forever impacted and changed.

What happened to Savannah is yet another reminder of how very precious every day of life can truly be. She went to work one evening thinking it would be like any other night, but it would prove to be her last night alive. taken from this earth forever by violence, leaving her family and I'm sure so many other people left to mourn the loss and be forever impacted and changed.

Savannah fought her attacker and part of that fight was captured on video, so she herself very much helped law enforcement catch her killer. At 21, her adult life should have been just getting started. After her death, her family held a vigil at a local park that Savannah loved.

Savannah fought her attacker and part of that fight was captured on video, so she herself very much helped law enforcement catch her killer. At 21, her adult life should have been just getting started. After her death, her family held a vigil at a local park that Savannah loved.

It was a place she had spent many happy hours climbing its trees, riding her bicycle along its windy paths, and simply enjoying its peacefulness and beauty. And that imagery of Savannah Gold is now hopefully how this AOM community will forever remember her. So, what do you think, Chuck? Do you approve? No! No!

It was a place she had spent many happy hours climbing its trees, riding her bicycle along its windy paths, and simply enjoying its peacefulness and beauty. And that imagery of Savannah Gold is now hopefully how this AOM community will forever remember her. So, what do you think, Chuck? Do you approve? No! No!

previously on Anatomy of Murder.

previously on Anatomy of Murder.