Davenport, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives have arrested 19-year-old Julian Andre Trevino in connection with the murder of 67-year-old John Joseph Torneo in the Polo Park neighborhood.
Torneo was found dead in his bathroom on Sunday, December 14, by a friend who had not heard from him since Thursday, December 11. A large amount of blood was discovered at the scene.
Investigators determined that Trevino, a former roommate, had recently been barred from living in Torneo’s home after the locks were changed. Evidence showed that Trevino used Torneo’s bank card at a pizza restaurant and convenience store following the murder.
On December 15, Torneo’s stolen vehicle was spotted traveling on US 27. Deputies pursued the vehicle until it crashed in a ditch near Tank Toad and Teacher Lane. Trevino was captured after a brief foot chase, and the victim’s bank card was recovered from his possession.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated, “The suspect admitted to breaking in through a window, confronting Mr. Torneo, grabbing a knife, and fatally cutting him. He also struck Mr. Torneo multiple times with a wine bottle. His motive was to steal money, resulting in a very painful death for the victim.”
Trevino is charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, multiple counts of tampering with evidence, armed burglary, and additional related felony and misdemeanor charges. He is currently held at the Sheriff’s Processing Center.
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