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Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
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The Polk County Sheriff's Office has arrested two juveniles, and the father of one of the boys, in connection to the murder of a 22-year-old man in Frostproof on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
At approximately 5:08 PM on Sunday, the PCSO Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call about a possible shooting on Washington Terrace in Frostproof. When first responders arrived, they found 22-year-old Juan German-Garo, Jr. in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared deceased by Polk County Fire Rescue at approximately 5:28 PM.
PCSO Homicide detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation. 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.
Allen initially told detectives he had no knowledge of the crime. The red sweatshirt, shoes and red backpack seen by witnesses were located in Allen’s home. 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.
Based on the information from Allen, detectives began the search for Charles. PCSO detectives contacted the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office for assistance after learning Charles’ father, 37-year-old Charles Jackson Jr., lived in Avon Park. Jackson Jr., the father, was interviewed at his home by detectives. He admitted to seeing the news conference held by Sheriff Judd on Monday, February 24, 2025, and texting his son telling him to run and hide because law enforcement was looking for him.
Charles Jackson III turned himself in at the PCSO Southeast District substation located in Lake Wales on Monday, February 24, 2025 at approximately 3:00 PM.
“Anyone who says dealing drugs like marijuana is a low-level and nonviolent crime need look no further than this situation. Now a young man is dead and two young men have thrown their lives away, and their three families will never be the same.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Tyjhae Allen is charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, tampering with evidence, and giving false information to a law enforcement officer. He was arrested for criminal mischief to a vehicle in 2021.
Charles Jackson III is charged with first degree murder, attempted armed robbery, and tampering with evidence. He was arrested in 2022 for juvenile in possession of a weapon.
Charles Jackson Jr. was arrested for tampering with evidence [for deleting the text messages between him and his son], and accessory to first degree murder. His criminal history includes 25 previous felonies and 14 previous misdemeanors, and he has been to state prison two times based on convictions for battery on the elderly, simple battery, fleeing to elude law enforcement, and grand theft.
The gun used to murder German-Garo Jr. has not yet been located. It is a Draco pistol, which looks similar to an AK-47 without the stock [see example photo]. Anyone with information about the location of the firearm is asked to call Heartland Crime Stoppers 1-888-400-TIPS (8477). There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the location of this weapon, and callers remain completely anonymous.
***To hear Sheriff Judd’s comments about these arrests, click here: https://youtu.be/RcO4Qr-t7eA***