POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A 19-year-old Florida teen has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly killing his former roommate, 67-year-old retiree John Joseph Torneo, over unpaid rent and disputes over property maintenance.
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, Torneo had evicted Julian Trevino after Trevino failed to pay rent and assist with upkeep. Torneo’s body was discovered Sunday in a locked bedroom of his home after neighbors, concerned about his absence, forced entry. Initially, deputies had assumed Torneo was not at home.
Sheriff Judd said Trevino stabbed Torneo and then beat him with a wine bottle until he died. Trevino reportedly admitted to investigators that he was “really angry” after being evicted.
Trevino allegedly used Torneo’s credit cards and attempted to flee in the victim’s car, crashing it in a ditch before being apprehended. The murder weapons—a knife and wine bottle—were later recovered from a nearby creek.
Trevino now faces multiple charges, including:
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First-degree murder
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Armed robbery
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Armed burglary
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Burglary
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Tampering with evidence
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Obtaining property by force
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Criminal use of personal identification
Sheriff Judd described the case as straightforward due to the suspect’s actions and confession. The investigation is ongoing.
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