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…