MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 21-year-old was arrested Wednesday, accused of killing his 17-year-old girlfriend on Dec. 10, according to Marion County deputies.
Saul Garcia Macias was arrested after being on the run for more than two weeks following the deadly shooting.
Deputies were called to a home in the 1000 block of NW 111th Court in Dunnellon after the shooting, where they found Sofia Lugo. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
The following day, deputies said they were looking for Garcia Macias, who they identified as a person of interest in Lugo’s death.
[TRENDING: Become a News 6 Insider]
Detectives said they learned that Garcia Macias had stated he had “done something” to Lugo before leaving the scene.
Deputies said Garcia Macias called the sheriff’s office and agreed to meet with detectives after hiding for the last 17 days.
Garcia Macias faces a charge of second-degree murder and is being held in the Marion County jail awaiting his first appearance.
According to the release, detectives asked that Garcia Macias be held without bond because they said he entered the U.S. illegally and “has been known to leave the country when in trouble with Law Enforcement.”
After hearing the news of Macias’ arrest, Lugo’s family held a candlelit vigil in her memory on Wednesday evening.
The vigil took place in front of the home where Macias’ family lives — which is also where Lugo was shot.
“She always had high hopes for her future. She always wanted to have children and teach them so many good things,” said Elvia Cruz, Lugo’s 9-year-old sister.
Lugo’s aunt, Andrea Lugo-Aguirre, told News 6 that hearing about Macias’ arrest “brought so much relief.”
“She would probably be telling us to be strong, that she wouldn’t want us crying,” Lugo-Aguirre said. “She wouldn’t want to see us in pain or hurting because she’s in a better place.”
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: