WINTER SPRINGS, FL — Miguel Aguasvivas Lizardo, 35, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering related to a drug-money run that led to the death of his wife, Katherine Aguasvivas, in a violent carjacking and murder.
A Tragic Day Turns Deadly
On April 12, 2024, Aguasvivas, 41, was carjacked in broad daylight in Winter Springs, Florida. A green Acura TL rammed her Dodge Durango from behind, and a masked gunman forced her into the backseat of her SUV.
Despite a phone call to her husband, who advised her not to stop, the situation escalated when the carjackers led Aguasvivas on a 24-mile chase, eventually forcing her to a remote location in Kissimmee, Florida.
There, prosecutors believe Aguasvivas was murdered — shot, doused in lighter fluid, and set on fire. Her remains were unidentifiable until later identified through dental records.
The Alleged Role of Lizardo
Prosecutors allege that Lizardo forced his wife into the dangerous scheme of acting as a money courier for a Colombian cartel, picking up $170,000 in cash from the cartel in Seminole County, Florida.
The defense, however, contends that Aguasvivas voluntarily substituted for her husband, who could not perform the job on the day in question.
According to the defense attorney, Brett Meltzer, Lizardo’s actions were unintentional, claiming the situation was tragic and that Lizardo was not directly responsible for his wife’s death.
Meltzer argued for a 41-month sentence, emphasizing Lizardo’s role as a devoted father to his children and stating the devastating impact his incarceration would have on them.
Prosecution’s Argument and Sentence
The prosecution argued that the Aguasvivas family had previously worked together in the money laundering scheme, with Katherine having gone on over 10 similar trips and earning $1,000 per trip. They also noted that the couple was separated at the time of Katherine’s death.
Despite the defense’s plea, the judge imposed a seven-year sentence, doubling the requested 41 months but falling short of the statutory maximum of 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The judge cited that Lizardo put his wife in harm’s way by involving her in the dangerous scheme, and that his actions ultimately led to her tragic death.
Defense Plans to Appeal
Although the judge’s sentence was well within the guidelines, the defense plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the sentence was excessively long given the circumstances of the case. Lizardo remains in custody as he prepares for his Sept. 11 court date.
The tragic death of Katherine Aguasvivas has left a community shaken, with many questioning the consequences of involvement in criminal activity and the toll it takes on families.
