Former Roommate Arrested in Fatal Stabbing of Retired Nurse in Davenport
A retired Davenport nurse was brutally stabbed to death by his former roommate over the weekend in what authorities described as a violent burglary that ended in a fatal confrontation, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies said the killing occurred early Sunday inside a home in the Polo Park neighborhood. The victim, 67-year-old John Joseph Torneo, was discovered later that afternoon by a friend who became concerned after not hearing from him for several days. Investigators said Torneo was found dead in his bathroom, where a large amount of blood was present at the scene.
Friends Found the Body After Days
The friend told detectives he last saw Torneo on Thursday and decided to check on him because he still had a key to the home. Authorities said Torneo had recently changed the locks after telling his roommate he was no longer allowed to live there. When deputies arrived, they also discovered Torneo’s vehicle was missing.
Investigators quickly learned that Torneo’s bank card had been used after his death at a nearby pizza restaurant and a convenience store. On Monday morning, deputies spotted the victim’s vehicle traveling south on U.S. 27 and followed it into The Ridge neighborhood. As the vehicle exited the area, it crashed into a ditch near Tank Road and Teacher Lane. The driver fled on foot but was captured after a short pursuit.
Julian Trevino, the Killer, Was Torneo’s Former Roommate
The suspect was identified as 19-year-old Julian Trevino, Torneo’s former roommate. Deputies said Torneo’s bank card was found in Trevino’s possession at the time of his arrest. According to investigators, Trevino later admitted he broke into the home through a window, was confronted by Torneo, grabbed a knife from the kitchen, and attacked him. Sheriff Grady Judd said Trevino confessed that the motive was robbery and that the encounter turned deadly.
“The suspect admitted to my detectives that he broke in through a window and was confronted by Mr. Torneo,” Judd said. “The suspect grabbed a knife from the kitchen then intentionally attacked and fatally cut Mr. Torneo.”
After the killing, investigators said Trevino disposed of the knife, a wine bottle, and one of his shoes, then stole Torneo’s vehicle, bank card, and phone. The knife was later recovered by deputies on Tuesday morning.
Trevino was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and additional felony charges. Authorities described Torneo as a well-liked neighbor who was known for helping others, including people who were struggling or down on their luck. The investigation remains ongoing.
