ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2013 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\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
In a release, deputies said that the man \u2014 identified as Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, 71 \u2014 was last seen shortly after midnight on Tuesday near the 8600 block of Hal Court.<\/p>\n
The sheriff\u2019s office explained that there were concerns for his well-being due to the fact that he suffers from memory loss.<\/p>\n
But on Wednesday, detectives announced that Vazquez-Escutia had been murdered, with his stepson \u2014 identified as 44-year-old Jose L. Proano \u2014 now facing a charge of first-degree murder.<\/p>\n
[RELATED: Watch footage of Proano\u2019s arrest below]<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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,\u201d the release reads. \u201cThere are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an affidavit, investigators said that Proano had detailed a \u201cnegative relationship\u201d with Vazquez-Escutia, even discussing thoughts that he\u2019d restricted Proana\u2019s ability to see his own mother.<\/p>\n
Jose L. Proano, 44 (Orange County Jail)<\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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,\u201d the affidavit states. \u201cHe placed numerous calls for service to check on his family members, nearing the level of obsession.\u201d<\/p>\n
Detectives said Proano had traveled from his home in Northport up to Orlando on July 31 out of apparent concern for his mother and daughter.<\/p>\n
The affidavit also shows that Proano had stalked Vazquez-Escutia, dismembered his body, stuffed the remains in three separate suitcases, and left the suitcases along the nearby White Road.<\/p>\n
\u201cFriends 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],\u201d the affidavit continues. \u201cA second witness detailed he was called by Jose Proano requesting help in regard to this incident.\u201d<\/p>\n
WHAT NEIGHBORS SAID<\/p>\n
A neighbor who lives down the street said the situation has left the neighborhood stunned.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very shocking. Especially that that happened right across the street,\u201d the neighbor said. \u201cSuch an extreme case\u2026 I\u2019m still at a loss of words.\u201d<\/p>\n
The neighbor said he became suspicious of Proano\u2019s behavior when his family asked Proano what was happening at the home during the missing persons investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe it was him,\u201d the neighbor said, when referring to Proano who he said appeared uncomfortable when responding and the neighbor also says Proano tried to suggest someone else was responsible.<\/p>\n
Detectives said as part of their missing persons investigation, surveillance video later showed a man entering the property and then leaving with large suitcases. Investigators also said cell phone records placed Proano\u2019s phone in the same area at the same time.<\/p>\n
Neighbors described Vazquez-Escutia as helpful and kind.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very disturbing,\u201d said Merle Billings, who lives across the street. \u201cHe was a good man\u2026 Anything I need to be done in the yard or anything with my equipment\u2026 he helped me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The other nearby resident said the neighborhood is typically quiet, despite Pine Hills\u2019 reputation.<\/p>\n
\u201cAround here, it\u2019s usually pretty quiet,\u201d the neighbor said. \u201cBut, this neighborhood hasn\u2019t had much activity like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
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