ORLANDO, FL — Authorities in Central Florida say the dismembered remains of a 71-year-old missing man were found in suitcases left along a road, and his stepson has now been charged with first-degree murder. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the victim, Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, was last seen shortly after midnight Tuesday and had been reported missing Wednesday.
Deputies said there were early concerns for his safety because he suffered from memory loss. By later Wednesday, detectives said the missing-person case had turned into a homicide investigation.
The Arrest
Investigators identified the suspect as 44-year-old Jose L. Proano, Vazquez-Escutia’s stepson. The sheriff’s office said Proano is accused of killing the victim, dismembering the body and attempting to hide the crime by disposing of the remains.
Officials said there are no outstanding suspects and no threat to the community. The case was developed through the sheriff’s office investigation and a release shared with News4JAX sister station WKMG in Orlando.
What Investigators Found
According to an affidavit, detectives believe Proano had a troubled relationship with Vazquez-Escutia. The filing says he felt his stepfather kept him from seeing his mother and believed Vazquez-Escutia had abandoned her despite her dementia…