ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – 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.
In a release, deputies said that the man — identified as Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, 71 — was last seen shortly after midnight on Tuesday near the 8600 block of Hal Court.
The sheriff’s office explained that there were concerns for his well-being due to the fact that he suffers from memory loss.
But on Wednesday, detectives announced that Vazquez-Escutia had been murdered, with his stepson — identified as 44-year-old Jose L. Proano — now facing a charge of first-degree murder.
Proano appeared before a judge Thursday wearing an Orange County Corrections jail uniform following his arrest, a judge previously determined there was probable cause for the arrest, and Proano was ordered held without bond.
[RELATED: Watch footage of Proano’s arrest below]
“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 reads. “There are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the community.”
In an affidavit, investigators said that Proano had detailed a “negative relationship” with Vazquez-Escutia, even discussing thoughts that he’d restricted 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 affidavit states. “He placed numerous calls for service to check on his family members, nearing the level of obsession.”
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.
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.
“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 affidavit continues. “A second witness detailed he was called by Jose Proano requesting help in regard to this incident.”
Court records show Proano was already on probation through 2027 following a plea agreement in 2022 for two felony charges. As part of that agreement, he was also supposed to receive treatment for a mental health disorder after serving a reduced jail sentence, according to court records.
We reached out to the State Attorney’s Office with questions about whether Proano completed the entirety of his jail sentence under that agreement, which they responded saying he was credited all of his time served. We also asked whether he was in compliance with the conditions of his probation at the time of his arrest. In a part statement they say, “we do not have records responsive to your request regarding the defendant’s compliance, violations, or modifications to the probation order.”
WHAT NEIGHBORS SAID
A neighbor who lives down the street said the situation has left the neighborhood stunned.
“It’s very shocking. Especially that that happened right across the street,” the neighbor said. “Such an extreme case — I’m still at a loss for words.”
The neighbor said he became suspicious of Proano’s behavior when his family asked Proano what was happening at the home during the missing persons investigation.
“Maybe it was him,” the neighbor said when referring to Proano, who he said appeared uncomfortable when responding. The neighbor also says Proano tried to suggest someone else was responsible.
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’s phone in the same area at the same time.
Neighbors described Vazquez-Escutia as helpful and kind.
“It’s very disturbing,” said Merle Billings, who lives across the street. “He was a good man… Anything I need to be done in the yard or anything with my equipment… he helped me.”
The other nearby resident said the neighborhood is typically quiet, despite Pine Hills’ reputation.
“Around here, it’s usually pretty quiet,” the neighbor said. “But, this neighborhood hasn’t had much activity like this.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Vazquez-Escutia’s family.