← Back to United States casesShirley Best and Virgil Best Murdered by Marisol Best, Hillsborough County, Florida, United States
Case Summary
On November 12, 2015, Marisol Best fatally shot her husband's parents, Shirley and Virgil Best, in their Florida home. The incident occurred during a pre-arranged prayer session. Marisol confessed to the murders, citing long-standing resentment towards the victims for their lack of support for her husband Robert Best, who had an extensive criminal history. Robert was present at the scene but was unaware of Marisol's actions and was cleared as a suspect after investigation. Marisol was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Basic Information
Country: United States
State/Province: Florida, United States
City/Region: Hillsborough County
Incident Type: Family Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration:
Incident Date: Nov. 12, 2015
Incident Sequence and Additional Victims
Primary reported outcome: Homicide
Reported self-harm outcome: No suicide or attempt reported
Reported sequence: Order not reported / unclear
Additional victims reported: 1
Additional victim events:
- Shirley Best — Family or household member; Killed; Order not reported / unclear
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Arranged marriage
- Met on social media
Relationship Stages:
- Married Living Together
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
Red Flags:
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Mental Health Deterioration / Hopelessness
- High-Conflict Household
Motives:
- Revenge
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic rival
Relationship Outcomes:
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Arrest made
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Arranged marriage
- Met on social media
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
- Married
Stages
- Married Living Together
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Manipulative behavior
- Mental Health Deterioration / Hopelessness
- High-Conflict Household
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Domestic Conflict
- Family pressure
- Revenge
- Jealousy
- Eliminate romantic rival
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2015-11-12
Outcome
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide before marriage
- Arrest made
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Shirley Best and Virgil Best Murdered by Marisol Best, Hillsborough County, Florida, United States
Tangled Web Interrogations · Original language: English
View original title
Husband Has No Idea His Wife Just Murdered Both His Parents
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Family Opposition
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a family homicide where the wife, Marisol Best, killed her husband's parents. The pattern reflects deep family opposition and resentment, with Marisol motivated by perceived lack of support and longstanding anger towards the victims. The incident was premeditated with attempts to stage the scene as a burglary.
Investigative Notes
Police initially suspected Robert and Marisol but ruled out Robert after forensic and phone record analysis. Marisol confessed and was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. The investigation revealed no forced entry and no theft, indicating a targeted killing. Marisol's confession and behavior during interrogation were key to case resolution.
Investigation Confusion
Initial suspicion included both Robert and Marisol. Robert's refusal to cooperate complicated early investigation. Marisol's claim of blacking out was initially accepted but later disproved by her detailed confession.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Robert and Marisol went to Robert's parents' home for a prayer session. Marisol arrived earlier, engaged in a negative confrontation with the victims, retrieved a handgun from her truck, and fatally shot both parents. She attempted to stage the scene as a burglary by opening drawers. Robert arrived later, discovered the bodies, and called 911 unaware of Marisol's involvement. Police investigation cleared Robert and focused on Marisol, who confessed.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to escalating family conflict, emotional resentment, and presence of firearms. The offender's mental state and history of emotional suppression contributed to the lethal outcome.
Key Takeaways
Family resentment and lack of emotional support can escalate to lethal violence. Attempts to conceal motives and stage crime scenes are common in domestic homicides. Early detection of emotional distress and family conflict is critical for prevention.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Marisol's longstanding resentment towards the victims and the negative family dynamics were key early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
No forced entry, no theft, and Marisol being the last person with the victims were crucial clues.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Forensic evidence, phone records, and Marisol's confession were the strongest evidence.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Robert Best reported discovering the bodies and called 911. Marisol confessed during police interrogation. No other witness statements reported.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
Follow-up reports clarified Marisol's role as the sole perpetrator and cleared Robert of suspicion.
What remained unclear?
Exact trigger for Marisol's snapping remains partially unclear; the full psychological motive is not fully detailed.