A 71-year-old man who was reported missing was found dead on Wednesday, and his stepson was arrested in the killing, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, 71, was last seen just after midnight on Tuesday near the 8600 block of Hal Court.
The sheriff’s office explained that there were worries about his well-being because he has memory loss.
However, on Wednesday, detectives confirmed that Vazquez-Escutia had been slain, and his stepson, 44-year-old Jose L. Proano, is now charged with first-degree murder.
Following his arrest, Proano went before a judge on Thursday dressed in an Orange County Corrections jail uniform. A judge had earlier declared probable cause for the arrest, and Proano was ordered held without bond.
“In the course of their investigation, deputies uncovered evidence that Proano, 44, killed and dismembered Mr. Vazquez-Escutia and attempted to conceal that murder by disposing of his body,” the release states. “There are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the community.”
According to an affidavit, Proano had a “negative relationship” with Vazquez-Escutia, even suggesting that he had limited Proana’s ability to see his own mother.
“He has had ongoing problems with Jorge Vazquez-Escutia and thoughts that Jorge Vazquez-Escutia abandoning his mother, leaving her alone in the residence even though she had dementia, and preventing him from accessing his mother,” the statement says. “He placed numerous calls for service to check on his family members, nearing the level of obsession.”
Detectives said Proano traveled from his home in Northport to Orlando on July 31 out of apparent concern for his mother and daughter.
According to the affidavit, Proano pursued Vazquez-Escutia, dismembered his body, packed the pieces in three suitcases, and left the suitcases on the nearby White Road.
“Friends of Jose Proano reached out to family and detailed that Jose Proano admitted to killing his father/taking care of his father, beating up his father, with the reasoning behind [REDACTED],” the statement reads. “A second witness detailed he was called by Jose Proano requesting help in regard to this incident.”
According to court documents, Proano was already on probation thru 2027 after entering into a plea agreement in 2022 for two felony counts. According to court records, as part of the arrangement, he was meant to receive treatment for a mental health problem after serving a reduced jail sentence.
We are waiting for the State Attorney’s Office to reply to queries about whether Proano served the full of his jail sentence under that deal or whether he was in compliance with the terms of his probation at the time of his arrest.
A neighbor down the street stated that the incident has surprised the neighborhood.
“It’s quite upsetting. “Especially since it happened right across the street,” the neighbor explained. “Such an extreme case — I’m still at a loss for words.”
The neighbor stated that he got concerned of Proano’s actions after his family asked him what was going on at the house during the missing persons investigation.
“Maybe it was him,” the neighbor said, referring to Proano, who he said appeared uncomfortable in response. The neighbor also claims Proano attempted to blame someone else.
As part of their missing people inquiry, detectives said surveillance video later captured a man entering the property and leaving with heavy suitcases. Investigators also stated that cell phone records showed Proano’s phone in the same location at the same time.
Neighbors regarded Vazquez-Escutia as helpful and friendly.
“It’s very disturbing,” says Merle Billings, who lives across the street. “He was a good person… He assisted with yardwork and equipment maintenance.
Despite Pine Hills’ reputation, another adjacent homeowner stated that the neighborhood is normally peaceful.
“Around here, it’s usually pretty quiet,” the neighbor added. “But, this neighborhood hasn’t had much activity like this.”
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