Orange County, FL: Just about every family knows that relationships with in-laws are not always pleasant, and often strained, even highly dysfunctional. But no in-law deserves to be murdered and dismembered over it.
That is exactly what a Florida man is accused of.
Authorities reported that Jose L. Proano, 44, of Florida, allegedly killed his father-in-law, then dismembered his body and placed the remains in luggage with the intent of disposing of the body.
The victim, who was later identified as Jorge Vazquez-Escutia, 71, of Orlando, Florida, was reported by family members as missing after they found his personal belongings in his home. They also discovered what appeared to be blood on the fence of the yard, which prompted the family members to contact the authorities then.
Part of the investigation revealed that the blood found on the fence was confirmed to be that of Vazquez-Escutia. Authorities also stated that they received a tip from a local woman who told them Proano killed his father-in-law. Her exact relationship to the victim and suspect remains unknown at this time.
Police detectives later detained and interviewed Proano, who admitted to having problematic relations with the victim. Proano also stated that he accused his father-in-law of interfering with the relationship and contact between him and his mother, who was actively suffering from cognitive decline.
"He has had ongoing problems with Jorge Vazquez-Escutia and thoughts that Jorge Vazquez-Escutia [was] abandoning his mother, leaving her alone in the residence even though she had dementia, and preventing him from accessing his mother. He placed numerous calls for service to check on his family members, nearing the level of obsession," one of the investigators wrote in a legal brief.
Investigators acquired a neighbor's surveillance footage. In the video recording, a man who fits the description of Proano can be seen hopping over the fence and into the victim's home, where he remained for several hours. The video also showed the man later carrying and loading suitcases into a vehicle and driving off. Authorities believe the suitcases contained the dismembered parts of Vazquez-Escutia.
Further investigation revealed Proano’s cell phone was confirmed to be at the residence in question at the same time as the video recording.
When authorities questioned Proano, he denied any wrongdoing and said he was not at the residence. However, he later changed his tune and admitted to having a strained relationship with his father-in-law, but again denied any wrongdoing.
Authorities later recovered the suitcases while conducting an area search of a nearby road. It was reported that two of the suitcases contained tarps filled with human body parts, while another suitcase contained a severed head. The suitcases also bore the name of Proano’s mother on travel tags.
It was also alleged that Proano did indeed confess the murder to others, who then reported it to the police. Authorities also said Proano sought guidance and assistance from family members by "requesting help in regard to this incident."
"There are no outstanding suspects, and there is no threat to the community. Our thoughts are with Mr. Vazquez-Escutia's loved ones as they navigate this unimaginable loss,” the authorities wrote in a statement.
Proano is being held in Orange County jail awaiting a hearing.
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Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
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