Saul Garcias Macias, 21, arrested on 2nd-degree murder charge

Saul Garcia Macias, 21 (Copyright 2023 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A 21-year-old accused of shooting his girlfriend to death earlier this month in Marion County appeared before a judge Thursday morning.

Saul Garcias Macias was arrested Wednesday after being on the run for more than two weeks, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said Sofia Lugo was found dead on Dec. 10 in a home in the 1000 block of NW 111th Court in Dunnellon.

Detectives said they are asking that Garcia Macias be held without bond because he entered the U.S. illegally and “has been known to leave the country when in trouble with law enforcement,” according to a news release.

Garcia Macias was identified as a person of interest a day after the shooting. Detectives said they learned that Garcia Macias had stated he had “done something” to Lugo before leaving the scene.

He called the sheriff’s office and agreed to meet with detectives after hiding for 17 days, according to sheriff’s officials.

Garcia Macias faces a charge of second-degree murder.

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About the Author:

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She graduated from UCF and returned to Central Florida after working in Colorado.