Boyfriend of Florida teen found shot dead arrested for her murder after 17 days of hiding, deputies say

Man arrested in death of teen girlfriend

An illegal immigrant is accused of murdering his 17-year-old girlfriend in Marion County. He's been in hiding for almost two weeks before calling deputies.

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The boyfriend of a Central Florida teenage girl found shot and killed has been arrested for her murder after 17 days of hiding, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Saul Garcia Macias, 21, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder of his girlfriend, 17-year-old Sofia Lugo.

Photo: Marion County Sheriff's Office

Lugo was reportedly found dead after being shot at a home in the 1000 block of NW 111th Court in Dunnellon.

Sofia Lugo (Photo via handout)

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"During the investigation, detectives conducted interviews and learned that Garcia Macias had stated he had ‘done something’ to Sophia before fleeing the scene. After 17 days of hiding, Garcia Macias called the Sheriff’s Office and agreed to meet with detectives for questioning," deputies said in a press release.

Garica Macias is being held at the Marion County Jail. He had his first appearance Thursday and was denied bond.

"Detectives requested that Garcia Macias be held without bond, as he is an illegal immigrant who has been known to leave the country when in trouble with Law Enforcement," deputies added.