On Friday, July 7, 2017, PCSO Homicide detectives filed an additional charge of manslaughter with a weapon (F-1) against Polk County Inmate 18-year-old Dario Trejo, and obtained an arrest warrant charging 29-year-old John Lugo, who is at large, with one count manslaughter with a weapon (F-1), in the shooting death of 17-year-old Jake Castillo. 

“Being involved in a gang is extremely dangerous – these two rival gang members, while shooting at each other, ended up killing a 17-year-old. Parents, don’t let your kids become affiliated with gang members. Get in their business, and make it your business to keep them from hanging out with gang members. The mere affiliation with someone involved in a gang can mean the difference between life and death.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff 

In summary, through the investigation detectives learned that Trejo and Lugo had an altercation at a gas station during the day on Monday, July 3, 2017. Trejo later picked up two friends in his Cadillac – Christopher Garcia and Jose Tinoco – and drove along Tennessee Road. Trejo told his friends that someone had “tried him” at the gas station, and they were going to look for him.  

Lugo has been living at 2602 Tennessee Road for the past four months. When Lugo saw Trejo’s Cadillac drive by the house, turn around, and come back, Lugo fired a shotgun at the Cadillac, striking Tinoco in the face, and Trejo in the arm. Trejo then returned fire with a handgun, fatally wounding Jake Castillo, who was inside the home on Tennessee Road. 

“Based on the statements of the suspect and witnesses, the evidence recovered at the scene, and the totality of the circumstances, detectives have determined probable cause exists to charge John Lugo and Dario Trejo with manslaughter with a firearm. Their actions in furthering an altercation and furthering gang related issues contributed to the unlawful killing of Jake Castillo.” 

As previously reported, Trejo and Lugo belong to rival gangs, Sur 13 and Norte 14, respectively. On July 3, 2017, Trejo was booked into the Polk County Jail with 7 counts possession of Alprazolam, one count possession of paraphernalia, and one count tampering with evidence. The new felony charge of manslaughter is being added on today. 

On July 4, 2017, Lugo had a Polk County warrant issued for his arrest, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Today, detectives obtained an additional warrant for his arrest, for manslaughter with a weapon. He is still at large. 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of John Lugo is urged to call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-TIPS (8477), or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com. iPhone and Droid users can download a free tip submit app to anonymously report crime. To install these free apps, please visit www.tipsoft.com.