A Florida man on probation has been charged with first-degree murder following the alleged stalking, murder, and dismemberment of his 71-year-old stepfather.
The grim discovery occurred on August 4. Authorities found three suitcases near the home of the victim, Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, in Orlando. These suitcases led them to suspect Jose Proano in the crime.
Initial Suspicions
A day before the discovery, family members found Vazquez-Escutia’s phone, wallet, and keys. They also noticed blood on a nearby fence. His unlocked cars remained in the driveway, according to an affidavit filed in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit Court. Concern grew because family and deputies had not seen him for three days.
Friends of Proano reported that he had confessed to killing his stepfather. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office took to social media to gather public assistance in finding Vazquez-Escutia due to worries about his memory loss.
Security Footage
Security camera footage revealed a man in a black shirt jumping over a wall at the victim’s home. The video showed him carrying suitcases, with what appeared to be a human arm being placed into one.
Later that day, the camera recorded the man walking down the driveway with three heavy suitcases. Investigators observed the man’s muscular effort to carry them.
Investigation Insights
Investigators contacted Proano about the situation. They discovered his phone had been in the area around the time shown in the camera footage. Proano had traveled to Orlando from Northport, about 150 miles away.
Proano admitted to a poor relationship with his stepfather, believing that his stepfather had affected his ability to see his mother. He shared information about his schizophrenia, which causes him to hear voices and worry about his family’s safety. These incidents were reported to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, but deputies found nothing wrong at the home at that time.
The Grim Find
About 23 hours after Vazquez-Escutia was declared missing, investigators discovered one suitcase with a disturbing odor behind a wall. Inside, they found Vazquez-Escutia’s head. Two additional suitcases were located 400 feet away, containing other parts of his body.
Proano, when questioned, first denied involvement. However, he later admitted his phone was present at the scene. Investigators noted he had injuries, like scratches, indicating defensive wounds.
In the past, Proano faced charges for an armed burglary and was on probation until 2027. Due to his recent charges, his probation has been reopened.
He is currently in custody without bond. His public defender declined to comment, respecting the client’s request not to discuss the case.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to aid Vazquez-Escutia’s family with funeral costs, describing him as a kind and generous individual who was willing to help anyone in need.