Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Investigative Operations Bureau

-Robbery/Homicide Unit

Support Services Bureau

-Forensic Science Division

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

Opal Weil (Victim – Deceased)

DOB: 10/08/1904

Address: 4736 56th Ave N. St.Petersburg, FL

Michael Lapniewski, Jr. (Arrested)

DOB: 09/21/1967

Address: 504 Jack Davis Ave. Waveland, MS

Charge: One count of First-Degree Murder

PINELLAS COUNTY – On January 26, 2023, detectives assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Robbery/Homicide – Cold Case Unit arrested 55-year-old Michael Lapniewski, Jr. for a murder that occurred in 1987. Detectives conducted an extensive investigation over a period of several years. A suspect was developed after advancements in DNA testing.

According to detectives, on February 9, 1987, deputies responded to a residence in unincorporated St. Petersburg for a deceased person. The victim, 82-year-old Opal Weil was located deceased by her sister-in-law after not answering her telephone. Weil had obvious and visible signs of trauma. Deputies discovered the suspect fled the scene prior to their arrival.

Throughout the course of the initial investigation, detectives discovered the suspect gained entry to the residence after removing a single windowpane entering the Florida room of the residence. Detectives also discovered the phone line to the residence had been cut. Forensic technicians collected evidence left at…