(Hernando County, FL) Friday afternoon, jurors delivered their verdict in the 2023 murder of 75-year-old Dabanee Cook-Resca, finding 46-year-old R W Resca Jr. guilty of Second-Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.
On November 19, 2023, Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies were called to an area off Cortez Boulevard after a caller indicated they had found a human body. Upon arrival, the complainant informed law enforcement that they observed what appeared to be a deceased person in a storm drain located off a dead-end road. First responders approached the storm drain and confirmed that inside was a human body in the early stages of decomposition.
While recovering the remains, officials quickly identified the decedent as Cook-Resca. The decedent was only wearing a bathrobe, with her debit card found in a pocket. HCSO Forensic Science technicians, along with the medical examiner, observed a gunshot wound to the chest of the victim. During the initial investigation, it was discovered that the victim resided in a house nearby with her adult son, later determined to be the defendant.
Major Crimes detectives made contact with the defendant at their shared residence to inquire if he had any knowledge of his mother’s whereabouts. While questioning Resca, detectives observed the defendant become increasingly nervous and sweat profusely. Resca indicated that he had not seen his mother for a few days. This piqued detectives’ interest as the victim resided in the same home as Resca, and it was out of character for her not to come home, according to the defendant.
During the interview, detectives informed Resca that they had located his mother, deceased, just a short distance away from their home. Officials informed Resca that they were investigating her death as a homicide. Upon further questioning, Resca finally confessed to murdering his mother and disposing of her body.
This case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Lori Ellingsworth and Benjamin Larison.
Published on 11/17/2025.