A quiet Florida community has been shaken by a horrifying homicide after a retired nurse was allegedly murdered by his teenage roommate just days after asking him to leave the home for failing to pay rent.
Authorities say 67-year-old John Torneo, a retired nurse living in Davenport, Florida, was found dead inside his home in what investigators described as an extremely violent attack. The suspect, Julian Trevino, 19, has been arrested and now faces a long list of felony charges, including first-degree murder.
Concerned Neighbors Spark Police Response
According to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, deputies were first alerted when a neighbor reported not seeing Torneo for several days. The neighbor told investigators that Torneo had allowed Trevino to stay in his home beginning in September, but the arrangement had recently fallen apart.
Police say Torneo told neighbors that Trevino was not paying rent and was not helping around the house, prompting Torneo to kick him out on December 10.
When a deputy initially responded to the welfare check, Torneo’s vehicle was not at the home, and the deputy mistakenly concluded Torneo was away. The call was cleared.
However, neighbors continued trying to reach Torneo without success.
A Gruesome Discovery Inside the Home
Concerned neighbors later entered the home and made a devastating discovery.
They found Torneo dead on the floor, with investigators later describing the scene as “eviscerated” and “disemboweled.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a homicide investigation.
Suspect Tracked Through Stolen Credit Cards and Car
Investigators quickly uncovered evidence pointing to Trevino. Sheriff Judd said Torneo’s credit cards were used after his death, including at a Circle K convenience store and at the pizza restaurant where Trevino worked as a dishwasher.
“Helen Keller could have followed the leads this guy left,” Judd said, criticizing the suspect’s trail of evidence.
Authorities later tracked Torneo’s stolen vehicle. At 4:42 a.m. on Monday, deputies spotted Trevino getting into the car. When they attempted to arrest him, Trevino allegedly fled, crashing the vehicle before trying to escape on foot. He was quickly apprehended.
Teen Allegedly Confesses to the Killing
According to Sheriff Judd, Trevino admitted to the killing while in custody.
He allegedly told investigators:
“I was really angry when he put me out of the house. And now I’m having to live in a shed by a friend’s house. I didn’t want to go away from my girlfriend.”
Police say Trevino described returning to Torneo’s home on Sunday, breaking in through a bathroom window, and hiding in a closet. After Torneo went to bed, Trevino allegedly stole cash and credit cards.
When Torneo discovered him and said, “You’re not supposed to be here,” Trevino allegedly shoved him onto the bed, went to the kitchen to get a knife, and stabbed him.
Investigators say Trevino then struck Torneo in the head with a bottle of wine to ensure he was dead.
Murder Weapons Recovered
Police say Trevino told them he discarded the knife and wine bottle in a nearby creek after fleeing the scene. Both items were later recovered by investigators.
Charges and What Happens Next
Julian Trevino has been charged with 14 felony counts and seven misdemeanor counts, including:
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First-degree murder
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Theft
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Burglary
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Fraud-related charges
He is currently being held without bond at the South County Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for January 20, 2026.
A Community Left Reeling
Sheriff Judd described the case as both tragic and senseless, emphasizing that Torneo had tried to help someone in need — only to pay with his life.
As the case moves through the court system, neighbors and community members are left mourning a man remembered as kind and generous, while authorities continue to piece together the final moments of a crime that has stunned central Florida.
