Davenport, Florida – A retired nurse was found brutally killed inside his Polk County home days after he reportedly asked his teenage roommate to leave for failing to pay rent, according to authorities. A 19-year-old man has now been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and multiple other felonies.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
The victim, John Torneo, 67, was discovered dead inside his Davenport residence after neighbors became concerned when they had not seen him for several days. According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, a neighbor initially contacted the sheriff’s office to request a welfare check.
A deputy responded and learned that Torneo had been allowing Julian Trevino, 19, to stay in his home since September. The neighbor told investigators that Torneo had recently kicked Trevino out after he allegedly failed to pay rent or help around the house.
At the time of the first check, the deputy mistakenly believed Torneo was not home and cleared the call. Concerned neighbors later returned to the residence on their own, entered the house, and found Torneo’s body on the floor.
Sheriff Judd described the scene as extremely violent, stating Torneo was found “dead, disemboweled, eviscerated on the floor.”
Background of the Living Arrangement
Investigators say Torneo had allowed Trevino to live with him for several months. According to the neighbor’s account, Torneo told Trevino on December 10 to pack his belongings and leave after ongoing issues related to unpaid rent.
Authorities believe this eviction triggered the events that led to the killing.
Investigation and Suspect Identification
Following the discovery of Torneo’s body, detectives quickly identified Trevino as a suspect. Investigators tracked Torneo’s credit card activity, which allegedly showed Trevino using the cards at a Circle K convenience store and later at the pizza restaurant where he worked as a dishwasher.
Sheriff Judd criticized the suspect’s attempts to evade detection, saying the trail left behind made the case easy to follow.
Deputies also began searching for Torneo’s stolen vehicle, which was later located in the early morning hours of Monday.
Arrest After Vehicle Pursuit
At approximately 4:42 a.m. Monday, deputies observed Trevino entering Torneo’s stolen car. When officers attempted to arrest him, Trevino allegedly fled, leading to a short pursuit.
Authorities say Trevino crashed the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
Alleged Confession and Details of the Attack
According to Sheriff Judd, Trevino admitted to killing Torneo after his arrest. Investigators say Trevino told deputies he was angry about being forced out of the home and was upset about having to live in a shed behind a friend’s house, away from his girlfriend.
Trevino allegedly told investigators that he broke into Torneo’s home through a bathroom window, hid inside a closet, and waited. After Torneo went to bed, Trevino reportedly stole cash and credit cards.
When Torneo discovered him and said, “You’re not supposed to be here,” Trevino allegedly shoved the victim onto the bed, retrieved a knife from the kitchen, and stabbed him.
Authorities say Trevino then grabbed a bottle of wine from Torneo’s bedroom and struck him in the head to ensure he was dead. Trevino reportedly took the knife and bottle with him when he fled and later discarded them in a nearby creek. Both items were recovered by investigators.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Trevino is now facing 14 felony charges and seven misdemeanor charges, including first-degree murder, burglary, grand theft, and multiple fraud-related offenses.
He is currently being held without bond at the South County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
Community Impact and Ongoing Case
Sheriff Judd emphasized the tragic nature of the case, noting that Torneo had tried to help someone in need by opening his home. Authorities continue to review evidence as the case moves through the court system.
Residents in the area expressed shock over the killing, describing Torneo as quiet and kind. Investigators say there is no indication that anyone else was involved.
The case remains under active prosecution as prosecutors prepare for upcoming court proceedings.
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