Overview of Sword and Scale Episode 355
This episode covers the double homicide of Virgil and Shirley Best, a respected older couple who ran a fish farm in Riverview, Florida. What initially looked like a family tragedy quickly turned into a murder investigation centered on their son Robert Best, a convicted fraudster with a long criminal history. In a major twist, detectives later obtained a confession from Robert’s wife, Marisol Best, who admitted she shot her in-laws after becoming enraged by their criticism of Robert.
The Victims and Their Family
Virgil and Shirley Best
- Married for decades and deeply embedded in their church and community.
- Owned and operated Quality Finns Fish Farm on their property.
- Described by family and neighbors as hardworking, generous, and well-liked.
The Family Dynamic
- Their children were Robert, Todd, and Michelle.
- The family lived close together, and many of the properties connected.
- Robert was the “black sheep” due to a long history of fraud, prison time, and ongoing legal trouble.
The Murder Discovery and Initial Suspicion
Morning of November 12, 2015
- Robert called 911 after saying he found his parents dead in their living room.
- Deputies found Virgil shot once in the head and Shirley shot twice in the head and neck.
- Investigators quickly treated the scene as a double homicide.
Why Robert Became the Prime Suspect
- He was the one who found the bodies.
- Family members said his behavior felt cold and unnatural.
- He had a criminal background that included numerous felonies, fraud schemes, and prison sentences.
- He was also facing a separate upcoming court case involving allegations of sexual conduct with a minor.
Timeline and Investigation
Narrowing the Window
- Shirley’s last known activity was a Facebook message around 8 p.m. the night before.
- Robert discovered the bodies just before 6 a.m. the next morning.
- Detectives believed the murders likely happened between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Family Alibis
- Todd said he stayed home after seeing his father earlier in the day.
- Michelle and her husband said they were home all evening.
- Robert claimed he and Marisol were home too, and that he had gone to his parents’ house that morning for a prayer visit before court.
Red Flags
- Robert refused to allow detectives to search his phone.
- Family members questioned why he would be at his parents’ house so early.
- His history of manipulation and fraud made investigators distrustful of his story.
The Confession and True Motive
Marisol’s Admission
- After Robert was arrested on an unrelated court matter, Marisol requested another interview.
- She confessed that she had gone to Virgil and Shirley’s home with Robert.
- She said an argument over Robert’s legal troubles and their criticism of him triggered her.
What Marisol Claimed Happened
- She became upset by the parents’ negative comments about Robert.
- She retrieved a handgun from her vehicle.
- While the couple prayed, she shot Virgil and then Shirley.
- She then tried to stage the scene to look like a robbery by leaving drawers open and the back door ajar.
Contradictions in Her Story
- Marisol claimed she “blacked out,” but her detailed actions suggested otherwise.
- Detectives did not believe Robert was involved in the killings.
- Robert maintained that he did not know Marisol had murdered his parents until the next morning.
Resolution and Legal Outcome
Marisol Best
- Charged with two counts of premeditated murder.
- Convicted at trial in 2018.
- Sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Robert Best
- Not charged in connection with his parents’ murders.
- Later resolved his separate criminal case with a plea deal and jail/probation.
Key Takeaways
- The murder appeared to stem not from money or a long-planned revenge scheme, but from an emotional, highly personal grievance.
- The episode shows how a family member’s criminal history can distort an investigation, even when that person may not be the killer.
- The case ultimately centers on resentment, judgment, and a violent response to perceived disrespect.
Notable Theme
The episode’s central point is that the motive, while shocking, was deeply human in the worst way: Marisol appears to have killed because she could not tolerate the way Virgil and Shirley spoke about her husband. The result was a senseless act that destroyed a family already marked by dysfunction and distrust.