Keith Tolbert has a bad habit of prolonging things. As a result, he’s expected to get 22 to 44 years in state prison to resolve his lingering personal issues.
When Tolbert, 35, beat and robbed Somerton resident Francis Zarzycki into unconsciousness on Aug. 26, 2013, Tolbert did not summon immediate medical help. As a result, Zarzycki died in the pimp’s Center City apartment.
The 40-year-old victim’s family and friends soon began to wonder what had happened to Zarzycki, fearing the worst for the missing man. But they had to wait until more than a week later to learn of the slaying because Tolbert had chopped up the victim’s body and tossed the pieces into a river.
With the grieving family seeking justice, Tolbert again made them wait for the better part of two years before he finally pleaded guilty at the last possible moment — as his murder trial was set to begin on April 9. And he finally told authorities where he had discarded parts of the victim’s body that still have not been recovered.
According to testimony at Tolbert’s November 2013 preliminary hearing, Zarzycki had contacted the defendant to arrange for a session with a pair of hookers, but the sex pros had other plans in mind. They expected him to bring cash and drugs to the rendezvous, so they conspired to rob him.
The robbery attempt led to a physical confrontation during which Tolbert used a Taser on the victim and sat on him, preventing him from breathing. After the death, the women left and Tolbert — who was studying to become a nurse — used an ax to chop up the body.
Zarzycki’s torso was found wrapped in plastic in the Schuylkill River nine days later. By that time, police had already suspected Tolbert in the slaying based on the victim’s telephone records.
The two women prostitutes involved in the case previously pleaded guilty to robbery and conspiracy charges. Tolbert pleaded guilty to third-degree murder as part of an agreement in which the District Attorney’s Office will recommend a sentence of 22 to 44 years. A formal sentencing is planned for May 1. ••
