Three Arrested in Connection With Murder of a Frostproof Man

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's office

Charles Jacson III

The murder of a 22-year-old Frostproof man Sunday has led to murder and accessory charges against an Avon Park man, his teenage son, and his son's friend.

22-year-old Juan German-Garo, Jr. was found deceased in his vehicle on Washington Terrace in Frostproof shortly after 5 p.m. on Sunday with multiple gunshot wounds. Two large bags of marijuana were found in the victim's vehicle.

Witnesses gave a description of two suspects to detectives, who canvassed the area and located 15-year-old Tyjhae Allen, who "initially told detectives he had no knowledge of the crime," according to investigators, but the clothing described by witnesses, including a red sweatshirt, backpack and shoes, were located in Allen's home.

According to investigators, "Allen then admitted to detectives that he and his friend, 16-year-old Charles Jackson III, met with the victim to purchase marijuana. He stated Charles spoke to the victim at the front driver's side window for a few minutes, then pulled out a gun and shot the victim multiple times. Both suspects then fled the scene."

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's office

Tyjhae Allen

Based on the information obtained from Allen, detectives then began the search for the younger Jackson.

The Highlands County Sheriff's office sent investigators to visit Jackson Jr. at his home in Avon Park. He admitted that he had seen a press conference that identified his son as a suspect in the brutal murder and that he was "texting his son telling him to run and hide because law enforcement was looking for him," according to the sheriff's office. He was charged with tampering with evidence for deleting the text messages between him and his son, as well as accessory to first degree murder.

Jackson Jr. has a criminal history that includes "25 previous felonies and 14 previous misdemeanors," according to the Polk County Sheriff's office. His previous convictions for battery on the elderly, simple battery, fleeing to elude law enforcement, and grand theft have resulted in two separate prison sentences.

Charles Jackson III turned himself in at the PCSO Southeast District substation in Lake Wales at 3 p.m. Monday. He has been charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. He was arrested in 2022 for possession of a weapon by a juvenile.

Courtesy Polk County Sheriff's office

Charles Jackson Jr.

Tyjhae Allen is also charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, tampering with evidence, as well as giving false information to a law enforcement officer.

According to the sheriff's office, the gun used to murder German-Garo Jr. has not yet been located. It is believed to be a Draco automatic pistol, which appears similar to an AK-47 without the shoulder stock.