Retired Nurse Murdered by Tenant in Florida

John Torneo, a 67-year-old retired nurse from Florida, was allegedly murdered by his 19-year-old tenant, Julian Trevino, after Torneo requested that Trevino vacate his home due to non-payment of rent. The incident occurred in the Davenport area, where Torneo had allowed Trevino to live since September. Following a report from a concerned neighbor who had not seen Torneo for several days, authorities discovered his body inside the home. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the scene as horrific, stating that Torneo was found "disemboweled" and "eviscerated."

The Independent

The investigation began when a neighbor, worried about Torneo's absence and strange messages from his phone, contacted the sheriff's office. A deputy initially checked the home but left after finding no one present. The neighbor, however, returned and discovered Torneo's lifeless body behind a locked bedroom door. Investigators quickly identified Trevino as a suspect after finding that Torneo's credit cards had been used at local establishments.

The Independent

When deputies attempted to arrest Trevino, he fled in Torneo's vehicle, crashing it into a ditch before being apprehended on foot. During questioning, Trevino confessed to the murder, explaining that he was angry about being asked to leave and had broken into Torneo's home through a bathroom window. He claimed that when confronted by Torneo, he stabbed him with a butcher knife and subsequently beat him with a wine bottle.

The Independent

Julian Trevino faces 14 felony charges, including first-degree murder, robbery, and credit card fraud. He is currently being held without bond at the South County Jail, with an arraignment scheduled for January 20, 2026.

The Independent

Neighbors described Torneo as a kind and generous individual who often helped others. Sheriff Judd remarked on the tragic irony of the situation, stating, “Sometimes when you are nice to evil people, they kill you.” He emphasized that Torneo, who had no criminal record, was trying to assist Trevino, who also had no prior offenses. The community mourns the loss of Torneo, with neighbor Louise Jutras expressing that he "will be missed."

The Independent

While the details of the murder have been largely consistent across reports, there is limited information regarding Trevino's background prior to the incident and the circumstances leading to his living arrangement with Torneo. Further details may emerge as the legal proceedings unfold.

The Independent

• “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.” — Julian Trevino, Suspect

The Independent

• “He eviscerated him,” — Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

The Independent

• “Sometimes when you are nice to evil people, they kill you,” — Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

The Independent

• “He will be missed. He’ll be missed,” — Louise Jutras, Neighbor

The Independent