POLK COUNTY, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has made three arrests in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old man in Frostproof on Sunday, February 23rd. Two juveniles and the father of one of the teens are now facing charges related to the homicide.
The victim, Juan German-Garo Jr., was found in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds on Washington Terrace in Frostproof around 5:08 p.m. on Sunday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Witnesses provided descriptions of two suspects, leading detectives to 15-year-old Tyjhae Allen. Allen initially denied involvement but later confessed that he and his friend, 16-year-old Charles Jackson III, had met with German-Garo to purchase marijuana. Allen stated that Jackson shot the victim multiple times before both fled the scene.
The investigation then led detectives to the father of Charles Jackson III, 37-year-old Charles Jackson Jr., who resides in Avon Park. Jackson Jr. admitted to seeing Sheriff Grady Judd’s news conference about the case and texting his son, advising him to run and hide.
Charles Jackson III turned himself in to authorities on Monday, February 24th.
“Anyone who says dealing drugs like marijuana is a low-level and nonviolent crime need look no further than this situation,” said Sheriff Judd. “Now a young man is dead, and two young men have thrown their lives away, and their three families will never be the same.”
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Tyjhae Allen is charged with first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer. Charles Jackson III is charged with first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. Charles Jackson Jr. is charged with tampering with evidence and accessory to first-degree murder.
The firearm used in the murder, a Draco pistol, has not been recovered. A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to its recovery.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
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