Retired nurse allegedly stabbed, disemboweled by his 19-year-old roommate after kicking him out for not paying the rent
12/17/2025 12:34 pm PST
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (TCN) -- A 67-year-old man was allegedly killed by his 19-year-old roommate after kicking him out for not paying rent, according to authorities.
WTVT reports Sheriff Grady Judd said in a press conference that a neighbor called the sheriff’s department because he had not heard from his friend, retired nurse John Torneo, 67, in several days. When a deputy arrived at his home in a retirement community, the neighbor informed her that Torneo had let a 19-year-old, Julian Trevino, move into his home with him in September. On Dec. 10, Torneo kicked Trevino out for not paying the rent or helping around the house, Judd said.
The neighbor, who had a key to the home, went inside and did not see Torneo. The deputy used tracking technology to see that Torneo’s car was in transit. She assumed Torneo was not home and cleared the call, WTVT reports.
The neighbor grew more concerned over the course of the day as Torneo did not respond to texts, so he and other neighbors gained access to the home again and found the back bedroom was locked, according to Judd. They used a screwdriver to open it and discovered Torneo deceased and disemboweled inside.
In the press conference, Judd said the reporting deputy will receive more training and has been taken out of patrol for failing to determine whether Torneo was home.
Law & Crime reports the investigation found that Torneo’s credit cards were used at a convenience store and a pizza restaurant where Trevino was employed as a dishwasher. The investigation tracked down Torneo’s stolen car, allegedly being driven by Trevino, and when he was approached, Trevino allegedly crashed the car and fled on foot. He was apprehended and taken into custody, according to Law & Crime.
Trevino allegedly confessed to killing Torneo, Law & Crime reports. He said he had to live in a shed after being kicked out. He then claimed he broke into the home on Dec. 13 and hid in the closet. Torneo reportedly woke up as Trevino was stealing cash and credit cards. Trevino then allegedly attacked Torneo with a kitchen knife and then beat his head with a wine bottle to ensure he was dead.
Law & Crime reports Trevino has been charged with 14 felonies and seven misdemeanors and is scheduled to appear for his arraignment on Jan. 20, 2026. He is currently being held without bond.
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