Miguel Aguasvivas Lizardo, 35, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. The sentence stems from a drug-money operation gone horribly wrong, resulting in the fiery death of his wife, Katherine Aguasvivas, 41, during a carjacking that escalated into murder.
The Carjacking and Murder of Katherine Aguasvivas
On April 12, 2024, Katherine Aguasvivas was carjacked in broad daylight in Winter Springs, Florida, as she was returning from a money courier run. The victim was forced at gunpoint into her vehicle by a masked assailant who followed her, eventually taking her to a construction site in Kissimmee. There, prosecutors allege that Aguasvivas was shot multiple times, doused with lighter fluid, and set on fire, leaving her body unrecognizable. Authorities later identified her through dental records.
Lizardo’s Role and the Defense’s Arguments
Lizardo is accused of involving his wife in the money laundering scheme, which entailed picking up $170,000 in cash from a Colombian cartel. While Lizardo’s defense attorney argued that Aguasvivas volunteered for the dangerous task, prosecutors believe Lizardo forced her into it. The defense sought a 41-month sentence, highlighting Lizardo’s role as a father and claiming the impact on his young daughter.
Prosecution’s Case and Sentencing Outcome
Prosecutors argued that Lizardo and Aguasvivas had carried out similar operations before, with Aguasvivas allegedly earning $1,000 per trip. The court took these arguments into account when deciding on the sentence. While the sentencing guidelines suggested a term of six to seven years, the judge ultimately sentenced Lizardo to the higher end of that range, emphasizing that he had put his wife in harm’s way.
The judge acknowledged the impact of the crime on Aguasvivas’ family, but concluded that Lizardo deserved a lengthy prison sentence for his actions. Although the defense sought a lower sentence, the court’s decision reflected the severity of the crime.
