BREAKING: Florida Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Steven Wolf in 2018 Monroe County Murder
Justices affirm conviction and death penalty for brutal killing of Michelle Osborne near Vaca Cut Bridge
The Florida Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and death sentence of Steven Matthew Wolf, who was found guilty in 2023 of murdering and sexually assaulting Michelle Osborne in Marathon.
Wolf’s conviction and sentence were imposed by Circuit Judge Mark H. Jones following a unanimous jury recommendation. The high court’s ruling affirms both the verdict and penalty, bringing an end to Wolf’s appeal.
Osborne’s body was discovered on Nov. 21, 2018, near Vaca Cut Bridge. Investigators linked Wolf to the crime through DNA evidence, his vehicle, and his own statements about cleaning and disposing of evidence.
After a six-day trial, a Monroe County jury found Wolf guilty of first-degree murder, two counts of sexual battery with force likely to cause injury, and tampering with physical evidence. Jurors unanimously determined that the killing occurred during a sexual assault and met the criteria of being “heinous, atrocious, or cruel.”
At sentencing, Judge Jones wrote that the aggravating factors “outweigh the mitigating circumstances by an overwhelming margin,” calling Osborne’s killing “among the worst of the worst.”
“You have not only forfeited your right to live among us,” Jones said from the bench, “but under the laws of Florida you have forfeited your right to live at all.” — Judge Mark Jones sentencing Steven Matthew Wolf.
State Attorney Dennis Ward said the ruling marks the end of a long and painful chapter for Osborne’s family and the law enforcement agencies that investigated the case.
Ward credited the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, and Statewide Prosecutor’s Office, calling the case “an extraordinary effort by multiple agencies.”
Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said the decision affirms that the case was “tried fairly, on overwhelming evidence, and with the utmost professionalism.”
The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office said it remains committed to “protecting residents, supporting victims and families, and holding violent offenders fully accountable under Florida law.”
Would you like me to prepare a sidebar box summarizing key dates in the Wolf case — arrest, trial, sentencing, and Supreme Court ruling — for placement next to the story?
Timeline — State of Florida v. Steven Matthew Wolf
Nov. 21, 2018 — The body of Michelle Osborne, 51, is discovered near Vaca Cut Bridge in Marathon. Investigators recover evidence linking Steven Matthew Wolf to the crime.
Nov. 23, 2018 — Wolf is arrested by Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies. DNA evidence, vehicle traces, and witness accounts tie him to Osborne’s killing.
2020–2022 — Pretrial motions and evidence hearings delay the case amid the COVID-19 court backlog. Prosecutors file notice to seek the death penalty.
Jan. 2023 — After a six-day trial before Circuit Judge Mark H. Jones, a Monroe County jury finds Wolf guilty of first-degree murder, sexual battery, and tampering with evidence. Jurors unanimously recommend the death penalty.
Feb. 2023 — Judge Jones formally sentences Wolf to death, citing the case’s “heinous, atrocious, or cruel” nature.
Oct. 2025 — The Florida Supreme Court affirms Wolf’s conviction and death sentence, rejecting all appeals and upholding the lower court’s judgment.