A 67-year-old retired nurse named John Joseph Torneo has been killed in his home.
The suspect is 19-year-old Julian Andre Trevino, who had been living with Torneo.
Torneo let Trevino stay after the young man said he was homeless.
Trevino did not pay rent or help with chores.
Torneo asked him to leave.
Trevino broke back into the house through a bathroom window around 3-4 a.m. on Sunday.
He hid in a closet.
When Torneo woke up and confronted him, Trevino shoved him onto the bed.
He grabbed a butcher knife from the kitchen and stabbed Torneo repeatedly.
He then beat him with a wine bottle from the cooler.
Torneo died from the injuries.
Trevino took cash, credit cards and Torneo’s car.
He used the victim’s bank card at a pizza restaurant where he worked and at a convenience store.
A friend found Torneo’s body on Sunday after neighbours helped open a locked bedroom door.
Police spotted the stolen car on 15 December.
Trevino fled, crashed into a ditch and ran on foot.
He was caught shortly after.
The victim’s bank card was found on him.
Trevino confessed to the killing.
He faces charges including murder, armed robbery, armed burglary, grand theft of a motor vehicle and fraudulent use of a credit card.
Sheriff Grady Judd said both Torneo and Trevino had no prior criminal records.
Torneo was known as a good neighbour who helped many people during his nursing career.
The case is ongoing.
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Charles Wealth is an accomplished healthcare administrator with decades of hands-on experience across various healthcare organizations in Nigeria and beyond. Known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to advancing the nursing profession, Charles brings a wealth of expertise to healthcare management, policy, and professional development.
As a co-founder and Editor at Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a pivotal role in shaping content that educates, inspires, and unites nurses across the continent. His editorial vision focuses on amplifying the voices of nurses, highlighting best practices, addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare, and promoting professional growth within the nursing community.
With a strong background in healthcare administration, Charles is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical practice and effective leadership. He continues to contribute significantly to the development of robust healthcare systems and the empowerment of nurses through knowledge sharing and advocacy.
