The U.S. Department of Justice has announced its intention to seek the death penalty against Jordanish Torres-Garcia, one of the suspects in a 2026 carjacking that resulted in the death of Katherine Aguasvivas. The case, which unfolded in Central Florida has revealed a complex web of drug trafficking and conspiracy.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has been instrumental in investigating the case, which began with a brazen carjacking captured on video near Winter Springs. Aguasvivas’ body was later discovered inside a burning vehicle in Osceola County leading investigators to uncover a larger drug ring operation.
The Deadly Conspiracy
According to investigators, Aguasvivas had traveled from South Florida to Seminole County to collect approximately $170,000 which were proceeds from illicit drug trafficking. However, a conspiracy involving four men, including the person supposed to hand over the money, led to her tragic demise.
The Notice of Intention to Seek the Death Penalty filed by federal prosecutors alleges that Torres-Garcia intentionally killed Aguasvivas during the carjacking. Investigators believe he was the man who held Aguasvivas at gunpoint during the incident.
The Accomplices
Two other suspects in the case, Giovany Crespo Hernandez and Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla, will not face the death penalty. Prosecutors have filed notices indicating their intention not to seek capital punishment against these individuals.
Investigators allege that Crespo Hernandez planned the carjacking and robbery to retrieve the $170,000 from Aguasvivas. Meanwhile, Rodriguez Bonilla is believed to have recruited Torres-Garcia to assist with the carjacking and provided the firearm used in the crime.
Both Hernandez and Bonilla have been indicted on charges of carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death mirroring the charges faced by Torres-Garcia.
The Investigation
The investigation into Aguasvivas’ death has been extensive, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office played a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of the case, which initially appeared to be a straightforward carjacking but quickly revealed deeper criminal activities.
The case has highlighted the interconnected nature of drug trafficking and violent crime, as well as the lengths to which criminals will go to protect their illicit gains. The pursuit of the death penalty in this case underscores the severity of the crimes committed and the justice system’s response to such heinous acts.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains shocked by the events that unfolded in 2026, and the pursuit of justice for Katherine Aguasvivas continues.
