Katherine Aguasvivas, a Florida woman, became the victim of a murder last year when she was carjacked at gunpoint and later found dead in her burning vehicle — and now new details reveal it was all allegedly linked to a drug money laundering scheme involving her estranged husband.
Key Insights
- According to investigators, Katherine Aguasvivas was specifically targeted for the $170,000 in drug money she was carrying when she was carjacked in broad daylight near Winter Springs, Florida.
- She was allegedly involved in her estranged husband Miguel’s money laundering operation for a Colombian drug cartel, making at least 10 previous trips to transport funds.
- The murder was part of a sophisticated drug money operation throughout South and Central Florida that was under DEA investigation.
- Six suspects are now in custody awaiting trial for her murder, while her husband just pleaded guilty on a separate money laundering charge with a potential 20-year sentence looming.
A Targeted Abduction Linked to Drug Money
New details have emerged about the brutal carjacking and murder of Katherine Aguasvivas that shocked Central Florida last year. Federal prosecutors have revealed that her killing is not believed to be random but a calculated attack to steal $170,000 in drug money she was transporting. According to court documents, Aguasvivas was forced at gunpoint to drive her vehicle through multiple counties after being abducted near Winter Springs in broad daylight.
US Attorney Roger Handberg spoke of the case, stating: “This was not a random act. The group targeted Ms. Aguasvivas for the $170,000 in drug money she was carrying.” Her charred remains were discovered in her burned vehicle at a construction site in Osceola County. The horrific crime has now been linked to an extensive drug trafficking and money laundering network operating throughout South and Central Florida.
A Money Courier in a Dangerous Operation
Federal court filings reveal that Katherine had made at least ten previous trips to Central Florida as part of the money laundering operation. Court documents indicate that on the day of her murder, she was actually a last-minute replacement for someone else who was originally scheduled to transport the drug money. At the time of her death, she was separated from her husband Miguel Aguasvivas, who has since been charged with and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the same operation.
According to investigators, the money was part of a drug trafficking operation connected to a Colombian cartel. Katherine’s role involved delivering cash to her estranged husband, who would then convert the funds into cryptocurrency. This sophisticated laundering scheme was already under surveillance by federal authorities when the murder occurred.
Justice Moves Forward
Six suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with Katherine’s abduction and murder. They remain in custody awaiting trial on federal charges related to the carjacking, kidnapping, and murder. Meanwhile, Aguasvivas’s guilty plea could result in up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $500,000.
The case highlights the violent underbelly of drug trafficking operations in Florida and the complex networks involved in laundering drug money. Federal prosecutors continue to take action against all suspects involved, with this case revealing the dangers of getting involved in criminal operations.
Sources
- 1 year later: New details emerge in Central Florida carjacking and murder case
- Shocking details unearthed after South Florida woman carjacked, set ablaze in massive drug scheme
- A Florida woman’s body was found in her burnt-out car last year. Now cops believe she was part of her husband’s money laundering ring
