A second defendant was sentenced in a love triangle stabbing death of a Central Florida man.
During a hearing, defendant Jaide Caporale pled to Second-Degree Murder. She was then sentenced to 35 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence in the range that was agreed upon in the plea deal.
On August 12, 2020, a dead body was found in Geneva, east of Sanford. Once the victim was identified, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office initial investigation led detectives to Volusia County.
Caporale had dated the victim on and off for several years. She was the last one seen with him on August 9, 2020, in Sanford.
On August 10, 2020, Caporale drove the victim to the house in Deltona where she and her co-defendant, Marvin Bryant, lived. Bryant stabbed the victim multiple times in the head and torso before the two dumped the victim’s body in Geneva.
Seminole and Volusia Sheriff’s Office detectives uncovered an extensive amount of important digital and forensic evidence during a four-month joint investigation.
A search warrant was executed on the car that Bryant was renting and Caporale was driving on the day of the murder. Blood samples taken from the backseat were tested and a positive match to the victim’s DNA was made by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
It was also apparent that they had cleaned up the rental vehicle and their house in an attempt to destroy evidence.
“Love triangles never turn out good. This one turned deadly,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case after Bryant was convicted of First Degree-Murder and sentenced to life in prison in June.
The case was investigated by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Andrew Urbanak successfully prosecuted the case for the state. The Honorable Kathleen McNeilly presided over the case and pronounced sentence.
SANFORD, Fla. — On Wednesday, the founder of a Sanford organization that works with people with special needs was arrested.
James “Jamie” Bernard Grover of the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP) is accused of sexual abuse of a minor, and investigators from the FBI say they believe there could be more victims.
Grover is being held in custody, at least until his next scheduled hearing at 10 a.m. Sept. 11.
The 62-year-old Volusia County man also worked as a group director for Autism on the Seas, an international organization that coordinates cruise vacations for adults and families with special needs. That organization said Grover has not cruised with them since 2013.
What You Need To Know
The founder of an organization designed to help children and families with special needs, James “Jamie” Grover, is in custody since Wednesday on charges of sexually abusing multiple young boys
According to FBI Tampa’s investigation, Grover ran the Special Needs Advocacy Program (SNAP) at Seminole Towne Center Mall in Sanford
The mother of a victim filed a complaint to the FBI in July, after filing an initial report to the Sanford Police Department
According to FBI investigators, Grover is accused of sexually abusing multiple young boys, including one with special needs
On July 25, FBI Tampa received an online complaint from one of the alleged victim’s mothers, accusing Grover of committing “a sexual act” on her son aboard a Carnival cruise ship in May 2023.
In the complaint made to the FBI, Grover is accused of committing sexual acts with several victims from 2010 until this year.
Investigators claim a second mother came forward with similar sexual abuse allegations against Grover shortly after and reported the incident to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in June.
According to that criminal claimant report, this second victim met Grover while volunteering at the SNAP organization and claimed to have also been sexually assaulted on a cruise back in 2022 when he was a minor.
The criminal claimant report also included a detailed account from an interview conducted by the Sanford Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office with Grover, who denied touching the victim in any sexual manner.
However, he did admit that he spoke to one of the alleged victims about masturbation once, which he said was educational, according to the criminal claimant report.
Legal expert David Haas said he’s seen his share of sexual abuse cases in his day, but nothing that compares to a case like this.
“To set up a nonprofit to potentially lure these kinds of younger kids in is certainly different, and what sets this case apart, depending on if the allegations can prove obviously,” Haas said.
The FBI has opened a tip line, as agents are looking to speak with any other potential victims.
Potential victims are encouraged to fill out an online form to provide more information to help in the investigation, through this website.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted law and order priorities, including protecting from fentanyl and illegal drugs, and curbing illegal immigration, with Attorney General Ashley Moody, Sheriff Grady Judd, and others in law enforcement.
Last year, Governor DeSantis signed legislation establishing the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) grant program, which provides law enforcement with the funding needed to conduct large-scale drug operations across the state, including many in Central Florida.
Florida has also enacted a suite of legislation to crack down on crime, curb illegal immigration, increase penalties for drug and human traffickers, and recruit law enforcement officers to the state.
And when two state attorneys refused to carry out the duties of their positions and enforce the law, Governor DeSantis removed them from office.
“Leadership matters,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “Law and order is maintained when leaders insist on enforcing the law. Florida has enacted legislation to combat crime, recruited police officers from all over the country, refused to allow cities to defund the police, and—when necessary—removed rogue state attorneys who refused to enforce the law.”
“Florida is a law-and-order state, and through proactive leadership and diligent law enforcement efforts we continue to prosper, break tourism records and lead in new business formations,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “This is due in large part to the brave men and women in law enforcement, and we will always work to ensure they are supported by Florida leadership.”
In 2023, the Governor approved $20 million in funding for Florida’s SAFE program administered by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This state-funded grant has allowed local law enforcement agencies to effectively fight against drug trafficking and get hundreds of pounds of deadly drugs off our streets.
“I commend Governor DeSantis and the Florida legislature for their support of law enforcement in Florida,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “We are a law and order state, and proud of it. Because of this, our communities are thriving. Florida is a safe place to live, work, and play.”
Examples of Florida being a law and order state from SAFE grant success stories include:
In January 2024, the Polk County Sheriffs Office utilized SAFE to arrest 11 suspects trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine, seizing 30 pounds of cocaine and nearly 8 pounds of fentanyl.
In March 2024, Santa Rosa County and Escambia County Sheriffs’ offices, working alongside the DEA, seized 3 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, prescription pills, and several handguns.
In April 2024, FDLE operations in conjunction with Sheriffs’ Offices in Seminole County and Palm Beach County resulted in arrests of nearly 40 drug traffickers.
In April 2024, officers in the Fort Myers region successfully seized nearly 4kg of cocaine, 90g of fentanyl, 69g of MDMA, 375g of marijuana, two AR-15 weapons, and more than $60,000 in currency.
In July 2024, FDLE Pensacola, Santa Rosa County and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s offices, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, FHP, and the DEA announced the arrest of 19 drug traffickers facing charges including trafficking in cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, conspiracy to distribute, and racketeering.
In August 2024, a SAFE-funded investigation dismantled a drug trafficking operation in St. Petersburg which was responsible for manufacturing hundreds of doses of fentanyl daily throughout Polk County, specifically in Lakeland.
Officers confiscated 10.7 kilos of fentanyl, along with cocaine, oxycodone, marijuana, 3 illegal firearms, and over $500,000 in cash.
“Florida is a national model in eradicating drugs from our communities and taking criminals off the street,” said Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner. “In every corner of this great state, you will find State Troopers and local law enforcement working together to interdict drugs and arrest those who profit off of it. Instead of being demonized, Governor DeSantis celebrates the dangerous work our law enforcement officers do every day, and our men and women in law enforcement deeply appreciate that.”
In total, SAFE funds have resulted in over 650 arrests and the seizure of more than 145 pounds of fentanyl, 220 pounds of cocaine, and 60,000 fentanyl pills – numbers officials say show Florida is a law and order state.
“Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and his leadership, Florida’s law enforcement officers have arrested hundreds of dangerous drug traffickers and taken fentanyl and other deadly drugs off our streets,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass. “Florida is a national role model and stands in stark contrast to crime-plagued blue states.”
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — As the University of Central Florida prepares to open its 2024 college football season on Thursday night, coach Gus Malzahn confirmed Monday that sophomore defensive tackle John Walker will be out for “an extended period.”
What You Need To Know
UCF football opens its 2024 season Thursday at FBC Mortgage Stadium
The Knights will be without defensive tackle John Walker for “an extended period,” coach Gus Malzahn said
Walker, a standout from Osceola, has a lower extremity injury, Malzahn said
Thursday’s game will mark the first at UCF for quarterback KJ Jefferson, a transfer from Arkansas
Malzahn said only that Walker, who committed to the Knights out of Osceola High School, has a lower extremity injury and that he “hopes” they will be able to get him back before the end of the season.
Walker, 6 feet 4 inches tall and 310 pounds, played in all 13 games and started one for UCF last season. He totaled 24 tackles, including 14 solo and five tackles for loss.
With Walker out, redshirt senior Daylan Dotson out of UT-Martin moved into the Knights’ depth chart for the game.
Malzahn added that redshirt senior tight end Jordan Davis out of Sanford Seminole is out for the season with an injury. He missed all but one game last season because of an injury, but Malzahn said Davis wanted to come back and give it another try.
The rest of the team is healthy, Malzahn said.
The Knights will face Football Championship Subdivision foe New Hampshire in their opener, which will kick off at 7 p.m. EDT Thursday at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The game is sold out.
Malzahn said he respects New Hampshire, which went 6-5 last season in the Coastal Athletic Association, and is hoping that the Knights can avoid shooting themselves in the foot with mistakes this season. That was a key focus for the Knights during fall practice, as Malzahn said repeatedly that the mistakes of last year’s team frustrated him.
“I want us to play good, team football,” Malzahn said. “I want us to be sound on offense without all the penalty crap … I want us to be sound on defense.”
Malzahn said he also wants to hear the crowd “say woo” a little bit.
The game will mark the UCF debut of quarterback KJ Jefferson, a fifth-year transfer out of Arkansas. John Rhys Plumlee, the Knights’ quarterback the past two seasons, graduated and is working to try to earn a position on the Pittsburgh Steelers this fall.
Jefferson said the Knights, who have more than 40 transfers on the roster this season, are not at the top of their game yet, but that they are working to get better every day.
“We’re out there fighting for the same thing, and we’re heading in the same direction,” Jefferson said.
He said he will be looking to get the team in a rhythm early and play UCF-brand football.
The Knights also posted their depth chart for Game 1 on X Thursday, but Malzahn said it’s not set in stone for the season.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Much of Central Florida could hear sonic booms on Thursday morning amid another SpaceX launch.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 rocket at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, taking the Maxar 2 mission into orbit, according to company officials.
Thursday’s launch window runs from 9-10 a.m., with a backup opportunity available on Friday at 9 a.m.
When the launch does happen, Falcon 9′s first-stage booster is expected to land on SpaceX’s landing zone at the Space Force station about eight minutes after liftoff, a release from SpaceX states.
As a result, residents in the following counties could hear one or more sonic booms during the landing:
Brevard County
Indian River County
Okeechobee County
Orange County
Osceola County
Polk County
Seminole County
St. Lucie County
Volusia County
“What residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions,” SpaceX said.
This won’t be the first time that a space launch prompted sonic booms in the region.
When the Ax-3 crew returned back in February, many Central Florida residents reported hearing a sonic boom as the crew plummeted down toward Earth.
As boosters and spacecraft fall through the atmosphere at supersonic speeds, they spark shockwaves that travel through the air — sometimes heard by people on the ground as a sonic boom.
For Thursday’s launch, the 45th Weather Squadron is forecasting a mere 20% chance of weather getting in the way. That falls to only 10% if pushed to Friday.
Either way, News 6 will stream the launch live at the top of this story when it happens.
The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters in Orange and Osceola counties can start voting Monday. They have until Sunday, Aug. 18 to cast their ballots early.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, Aug. 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be receiving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open beginning Aug. 5.
Brevard County early voting opens Aug. 10, and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Flagler County early voting opens Aug. 10 through Aug. 17, with offices open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Lake County early voting begins August 8 and closes Aug. 17. Offices will be open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Marion County early voting begins Aug. 10 and ends Aug. 17. Offices are open from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Orange County early voting starts Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 18. Offices are open from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. daily.
Osceola County early voting begins Aug. 5 through Aug. 18, with offices open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.
Seminole County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Sumter County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
Volusia County early voting begins Aug. 10 through Aug. 17. Offices open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on Nov. 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before Oct. 7, and early voting will take place from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3.
LONGWOOD, Fla. – With the tropical weather picking up and interesting weather headed our way, it’s time for a refresher on how we should be driving in dangerous weather situations.
A lot of people will say that this is common knowledge. I would argue based off of my experience and driving in storms, the practice is not as common as one may think.
Today we talked about the obvious. Treating non-working traffic lights as a four-way stop, avoiding flooded roadways and prepping your vehicle for possible local power outages. Sometimes, a simple reminder is all we really need.
Follow along in the video player at the top of this story.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declared an emergency in 54 counties Thursday ahead of a potential storm in the Gulf of Mexico.
Counties affected by the declaration include:
Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
The order comes as tropical wave Invest 97L “is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” DeSantis’ executive order said.
The order said that conditions are favorable for Invest 97L to develop into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week “over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula.”
Based on meteorological reports, the emergency declaration said that there is a “significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days.”
It is expected that any “prolonged heavy rainfall” from the potential storm could result in “river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds.”
The 2024 presidential race is well underway. Florida’s primary election is slated for Aug. 20, and voters have until Monday, July 22 to register to vote or update their registration.
Florida is a closed primary state, which means voters will need to lock in their party affiliation by that date in order to participate in their chosen primary elections.
Voters looking to vote by mail should make sure to get their applications in before Thursday, August 8. Those who already signed up for vote by mail ballots will be recieving them soon. The first round of ballots started being sent out July 6.
Residents of Central Florida looking to avoid potentially long lines at their polling places can take part in early voting, which will be open from August 5 through August 18.
After the primary, the general election, where voters can choose who takes up residency in the White House will take place on November 5. Before that, voters should make sure to be registered or update their registration on or before October 7, and early voting will take place from October 21 through November 3.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Nearly two months ago, a Florida woman was captured on video being carjacked at an intersection near Winter Springs, leading detectives to investigate her homicide.
Since then, investigators have discovered that several other criminal cases are somehow tied to this carjacking, raising even more questions about why it happened.
Due to the growing number of people who have become embroiled in the investigation, News 6 has created the following list to keep them in order.
Below is a rundown of these figures and their relation to the carjacking based on information from law enforcement.
KATHERINE AGUASVIVAS —VICTIM
Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas, 31 (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
Katherine Aguasvivas is the victim in this case.
On April 11, she left her home in Homestead and drove to Seminole County. A green Acura began ramming her vehicle about a half-mile before she reached the intersection of East Lake Drive and Tuskawilla Road near Winter Springs.
After Aguasvivas stopped at a red light, a masked gunman approached her white Dodge Durango while pointing a gun at her. He then got into the back seat before both vehicles pulled away.
[WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE CARJACKING BY CLICKING IN THE MEDIA PLAYER BELOW]
Court records show that Aguasvivas was ordered at gunpoint to turn around again and head to a deserted construction site in Kissimmee, where she was ultimately set on fire in the Durango and fatally shot.
The Durango was found badly damaged by the fire later that evening in Osceola County, and Aguasvivas’ body was found inside.
A photo shows a torched white Dodge Durango driven by Katherine Aguasvivas. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
Lemma told News 6 that Aguasvivas spent less than an hour in Seminole County, and his deputies had no knowledge of her living, doing business, or being in the county before this incident.
Her husband told deputies she was there to visit family. However, deputies were unable to find any relatives in the area at this point.
Instead, investigators later discovered that Aguasvivas had been in Casselberry to meet another man — Giovany Crespo Hernandez, 27 — to retrieve $170,000 in proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.
After driving from his home with the money, Crespo Hernandez and three other men conspired to rob her of the money, leading to the fatal carjacking, investigators later announced.
MIGUEL AGUASVIVAS —VICTIM’S HUSBAND
Miguel Aguasvivas is Katherine Aguasvivas’ husband. The pair owned two businesses in South Florida: a barber shop and a beauty salon.
After Katherine Aguasvivas was rammed by the green Acura, she called her husband, who reportedly told her not to stop.
After investigators found the body believed to be Katherine Aguasvivas, they called her brother and Miguel Aguasvivas to be interviewed. The two agreed to travel from Homestead to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office the next day.
Upon their arrival, Miguel Aguasvivas provided his cell phone and allowed detectives to search the device.
However, during the search, investigators discovered that Miguel Aguasvivas had been in contact with an Orange County deputy regarding the investigation.
On April 23, Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced that Miguel Aguasvivas was no longer cooperating with the investigation.
FRANCISCO ALBERTO ESTRELLA CHICON—ORANGE COUNTY DEPUTY
Photo of Francisco Estrella, 33, included in the affidavit for arrest warrant (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
Francisco Estrella Chicon is an Orange County deputy who became involved in this case thanks to Miguel Aguasvivas, the sheriff said.
After the discovery of Katherine Aguasvivas’ body, Estrella Chicon called one of the detectives in the case while using the pseudonym “Francisco Archuela,” according to investigators.
He claimed to be Katherine Aguasvivas’ cousin and repeatedly tried to get more details about the case from the detective. He was told it was an active investigation and that such information couldn’t be released, according to the sheriff.
While searching Miguel Aguasvivas’ phone, investigators discovered that Estrella Chicon and Miguel Aguasvivas had been sharing information about that detective, and Estrella Chicon had shared a video recording of their conversation with Miguel Aguasvivas, investigators said.
In addition, they said they found evidence that Estrella Chicon had used a law enforcement database to pull up personal information about the detective.
As such, Estrella Chicon was arrested. Four days afterward, Estrella Chicon was granted a $15,000 bond and released from jail.
Lemma later discussed Estrella Chicon’s arrest, revealing that Katherine Aguasvivas’ brother and Miguel Aguasvivas had called a mutual childhood friend — who just so happened to be Estrella Chicon’s wife.
MONICSABEL ROMERO-SOTO — DRUG SUSPECT’S GIRLFRIEND
Monicsabel Romero-Soto (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
While not directly related to the carjacking, Monicsabel Romero-Soto was arrested in a separate case involving a possible drug ring.
Investigators said they intercepted a package of cocaine via USPS that had been addressed to a St. Cloud home from Puerto Rico.
During a sting operation, Homeland Security personnel arrested Romero-Soto after she picked up the parcel at the home where it was delivered.
It was later found that Romero-Soto lived in Casselberry, and her boyfriend — Giovany Crespo Hernandez — was involved in a Central Florida drug ring, according to investigators.
Seminole County deputies executed a search warrant at Romero Soto’s home, where they said they found several thousands of dollars, drug ledgers, multiple cell phones, high-value stolen jewelry and firearms.
Detectives said that $13,701 cash, narcotics, and stolen high-value jewelry were found at Romero’s home. (U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida)
Alongside those items were several narcotics, including fentanyl, cannabis and other drug paraphernalia, detectives said.
GIOVANY CRESPO HERNANDEZ — SUSPECTED RINGLEADER
Giovany Crespo Hernandez (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
Romero-Soto’s boyfriend, Giovany Crespo Hernandez, was arrested on fentanyl possession charges days after Lemma announced in a news conference that authorities were searching for him.
Crespo Hernandez is believed to be the last person whom Katherine Aguasvivas spoke to. Lemma said those details were courtesy of the victim’s brother, who had apparently been investigating on his own.
Lemma said the brother didn’t recognize Crespo Hernandez, but he called him, took a screenshot of him, and gave that to detectives.
Detectives discovered Katherine Aguasvivas drove to Casselberry to meet with Crespo Hernandez, which prompted the search of his and Romero-Soto’s home.
In court documents released on Thursday, investigators said that Crespo Hernandez was responsible for arranging the robbery and carjacking to retrieve the $170,000 from Katherine Aguasvivas.
Crespo Hernandez is charged with carjacking, kidnapping and the use of a firearm — all of which resulted in Katherine Aguasvivas’ death.
JORDANISH TORRES-GARCIA — SUSPECTED GUNMAN
Jordanish Torres-Garcia, 28, was arrested on Friday in Seminole County. (SCSO)
Jordanish Torres-Garcia is the man whom investigators said held Katherine Aguasvivas at gunpoint during the carjacking.
Investigators said he conspired with Crespo Hernandez to rob Katherine Aguasvivas of the $170,000 she received, and he was spotted at a gas station with another suspect buying lighter fluid shortly before the carjacking took place.
Investigators said that Torres-Garcia and Ocasio Justiniano were caught on surveillance footage at a local gas station. (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
He was arrested by U.S. Marshals at a business in Orange County over a week after Katherine Aguasvivas’ body was found.
Lemma said his detectives had evidence Torres-Garcia bought the green Acura used in the carjacking on April 11.
They believe the same car was also seen at another homicide the day before, which involved a tow truck driver being gunned down in Orange County.
Torres-Garcia’s Facebook profile picture shows him wearing the same sweatshirt as the masked gunman during the carjacking, according to Lemma.
After his initial arrest in April, he was held in custody because he was wanted on gun charges out of Puerto Rico.
Court documents obtained by News 6 show Torres-Garcia was charged in federal court in 2015 after police searched an apartment where he was living and seized multiple guns and ammunition.
According to the documents, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years in federal prison and three years of supervised release.
Records show Torres-Garcia was released from Coleman Federal Prison in Sumter County in October 2023.
He was instructed to report to the Casa Alborada Residential Reentry Center in Puerto Rico, but according to court documents, he never showed up.
A federal judge issued a warrant for his arrest in March, but he was not caught until law enforcement took him into custody on April 19.
When Torres-Garcia was arrested by Homeland Security in 2015, a records check revealed he had been convicted of a crime before.
Court records show Torres-Garcia also has a criminal history in Orange County.
Torres-Garcia is charged with carjacking, kidnapping and the use of a firearm — all of which resulted in Katherine Aguasvivas’ death.
KEVIN OCASIO JUSTINIANO — SUSPECTED DRIVER
28 year-old Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, also referred to as “Kevo” (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
Kevin Ocasio Justiniano — also known as “Kevo” — is another suspect in the armed carjacking case.
Investigators said Ocasio Justiniano was the driver in the green Acura, and he drove to a deserted construction site in Kissimmee alongside Katherine Aguasvivas in her Durango as she was held at gunpoint by Torres-Garcia.
After arriving there, Ocasio Justiniano then met with a fourth suspect to receive a firearm, which was used to shoot Katherine Aguasvivas after she was doused in lighter fluid, investigators added.
According to Lemma, a red Toyota Corolla was seen at the apartment complex where the green Acura was dropped off, and it picked up the occupants of the Acura after they finished cleaning off the Acura.
Lemma added that Ocasio Justiniano is believed to be the driver of the Corolla at that time.
Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced that Kevin Ocasio Justiniano is believed to have driven a red Corolla that was seen picking up the occupants of the green Acura at the apartment complex where the Acura was previously towed away. (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
Ocasio Justiniano is charged with carjacking, kidnapping and the use of a firearm — all of which resulted in Katherine Aguasvivas’ death.
DERECK RODRIGUEZ BONILLA — FOURTH SUSPECT
Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla is the fourth man arrested in this case, and his arrest was revealed in court documents released on Thursday.
Investigators said Rodriguez Bonilla — along with Ocasio Justiniano — was recruited by Torres-Garcia to help with the robbery and carjacking.
After Katherine Aguasvivas was forced to drive to a deserted construction site in Kissimmee at gunpoint, Ocasio Justiniano met with Rodriguez Bonilla to receive a firearm, investigators added.
That firearm was ultimately used to kill Katherine Aguasvivas before her body was burned in the Durango.
However, Rodriguez Bonilla later “falsely denied” providing the weapon, court records show. Instead, he claimed that he went to Kissimmee that day to loan $80 to Torres-Garcia.
Rodriguez Bonilla is charged with carjacking, kidnapping and the use of a firearm — all of which resulted in Katherine Aguasvivas’ death.
Anyone with more information about the case is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
Alternatively, tips can be made anonymously through Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
For a day-to-day timeline of events as this story unfolds, click here.
A burn ban will automatically lift after the drought index falls below 500 for seven consecutive days.
Burn ban in effect since May 8
Due to ongoing dry weather conditions, Brevard County is favorable to the risk of wildfires. The county has implemented a ban on open burning, such as bonfires, campfires, trash burning and other incineration, throughout the county.
The burn ban does not include state-permitted burns, the use of barbecue grills, authorized public fireworks displays and fireworks sales, which are authorized by state law.
Polk County has issued a burn ban throughout the county due to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index averaging over 507.
The burn ban prohibits campfires, bonfires, unpermitted controlled burns, burning yard and household trash, burning construction debris, burning organic debris, igniting fireworks, and noncommercial burning of materials other than for religious or ceremonial purposes, in which case they must be contained in a barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and the total fuel area cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
The burn ban applies to all unincorporated Polk and the following municipalities: Auburndale, Bartow, Dundee, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland and Winter Haven.
Burn ban in effect since May 28
All outdoor burning that has not been permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires and yard debris — is prohibited throughout the county. Above-ground charcoal, gas, barrel-style barbecue smokers and electric grills are permitted, but officials urge you to ensure the charcoal is extinguished after you finish cooking your food.
Burn ban violators can be fined up to $500 or jailed for no more than 60 days.
In Seminole, the burn ban remains in effect until the drought index dips below 500 for seven consecutive days or until further notice.
Burn ban in effect since May 29
A ban on open fire pits, campfires, and yard debris is in effect within the unincorporated areas. Osceola County Fire Rescue will continue to monitor conditions to determine when the burn ban will be lifted there.
Burn ban in effect since May 31
A burn ban is currently in effect for unincorporated areas of Orange County and any municipalities that Orange County Fire Rescue services, including Edgewood, Belle Isle, Oakland, and Eatonville.
The burn ban prohibits all outdoor burning that has not been specifically permitted. Outdoor burning authorized by the Florida Forest Service is not affected by this ban.
Burn ban in effect since June 5
Flagler County enacted a burn ban effective 5 p.m. June 5 and declared a state of local emergency to do so. The ban remains in effect for seven days.
The burn ban prohibits the following:
Discharge/use of fireworks, sparklers, flares, or other items containing any “explosive compound”
Open burning, including the use of fire pits and containers
Outdoor cookers and grills unless attended by an adult at all times
Throwing matches, cigarettes, or other burning materials from vehicles
Parking vehicles with catalytic converters in high grassy areas
Burn ban in effect since June 6
Volusia County has implemented a countywide burn ban, prohibiting the ignition and burning of open fires until further notice. The countywide restriction bans all outdoor burning not permitted by the Florida Forest Service — including bonfires, campfires, and yard debris burning. However, the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills is permitted.
Here are steps to take to protect your home and business from wildfires:
Create a 30-foot area of “defensible” — clean and green — space around your home or business.
Clear trash and dead vegetation from your front and backyard.
Remove leaves and debris from roof and gutters.
Have an Emergency Plan and an emergency kit packed in case an evacuation is ordered, especially if your home is near wildlands.
Monitor your county’s social media and local media for updates on road closures, smoke conditions and other hazards.
Use extreme caution when grilling, camping and discarding cigarettes.
Habitat for Humanity has been providing affordable housing for nearly 50 years, and on Wednesday, in Seminole County, significant progress was made on a first-time effort. It’s not just one Habitat home but an actual Habitat neighborhood.”We’re putting a subdivision in the middle of a neighborhood, right across the street from an Elementary School,” said Andria Herr, Seminole County Commission vice-chair. Things are shaping up on West 20th Street in Sanford. Houses are taking shape, and the road is being prepared for pavement.”Not only helping six families get into safe, decent, affordable housing, but we’re also transforming a neighborhood also,” said Kelly Pisciotta, who is with Habitat for Humanity. Seminole County seeded this venture with American Rescue Plan dollars and structured it so future projects would be funded.”We seed the funding, then once the homes sell, the money comes back for the next program,” Herr said.Around Central Florida, we see plenty of brand-new Habitat for Humanity Houses, but often, it’s one here or one there. But this is a subdivision with half a dozen homes.”As these home buyers are making their payments, we’re going to be able to help more families in the future,” Pisciotta said.Kolby NiBlack attended the August 2023 groundbreaking and will soon be one of the homeowners.”Just to know that it’s ours, just to know that it’s going to be ours, is what I’m mostly excited about,” NiBlack said. There’s joy in home ownership when rent is so hard to come by.”When you look at what an average rent is in our community, and it’s $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, that shows the need when we can get people into home ownership with a payment maybe 50 percent or slightly more than that,” Pisciotta said.County leaders and staff spiffed up the landscaping even as construction continues, knowing the big celebration is still to come in a few weeks.”I think that’s going to be a crack a bottle of champagne over the doorway day,” Herr said. They hope to be handing over the keys in less than a month.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. —
Habitat for Humanity has been providing affordable housing for nearly 50 years, and on Wednesday, in Seminole County, significant progress was made on a first-time effort.
It’s not just one Habitat home but an actual Habitat neighborhood.
“We’re putting a subdivision in the middle of a neighborhood, right across the street from an Elementary School,” said Andria Herr, Seminole County Commission vice-chair.
Things are shaping up on West 20th Street in Sanford. Houses are taking shape, and the road is being prepared for pavement.
“Not only helping six families get into safe, decent, affordable housing, but we’re also transforming a neighborhood also,” said Kelly Pisciotta, who is with Habitat for Humanity.
Seminole County seeded this venture with American Rescue Plan dollars and structured it so future projects would be funded.
“We seed the funding, then once the homes sell, the money comes back for the next program,” Herr said.
Around Central Florida, we see plenty of brand-new Habitat for Humanity Houses, but often, it’s one here or one there. But this is a subdivision with half a dozen homes.
“As these home buyers are making their payments, we’re going to be able to help more families in the future,” Pisciotta said.
Kolby NiBlack attended the August 2023 groundbreaking and will soon be one of the homeowners.
“Just to know that it’s ours, just to know that it’s going to be ours, is what I’m mostly excited about,” NiBlack said.
There’s joy in home ownership when rent is so hard to come by.
“When you look at what an average rent is in our community, and it’s $2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, that shows the need when we can get people into home ownership with a payment maybe 50 percent or slightly more than that,” Pisciotta said.
County leaders and staff spiffed up the landscaping even as construction continues, knowing the big celebration is still to come in a few weeks.
“I think that’s going to be a crack a bottle of champagne over the doorway day,” Herr said.
They hope to be handing over the keys in less than a month.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The vice chair of the UCF Board of Trustees has resigned after Seminole County deputies said they arrested him in a prostitution sting last week.
A UCF spokesperson confirmed that Mills resigned from the university’s governing board earlier this week.
“The Board has initiated the process of holding elections for Vice Chair pursuant to its bylaws,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Mills served as a board member at UCF, Guidewell, Florida Blue, Rollins College, LIFT Orlando and the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center, according to UCF officials.
In the arrest report, deputies said Mills had exposed his genitals to one of the undercover agents when they stood at the open window of his car’s door in the park.
Mills claimed that he “was simply clearing his mind” by visiting the park after he was arrested, the report says.
Mills faces charges of indecent exposure and agreeing to secure a prostitute.
NOAA forecasters from the National Hurricane Center and the local forecast office, as well as crew members of the NOAA and USAF aircraft used to research hurricanes, will be available for one-on-one interviews and aircraft tours.
This is all taking place at the airport from 9 a.m. ’til about 3 p.m.
Check back later to follow along live in a video player at the top of this story.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – Lawyers representing a woman who was hurt in a shooting that hurt 10 people during a party at Cabana Live in Seminole County are set to give an update on their lawsuit against the business Friday night.
The lawsuit claims that the woman, Rakita Davis, “experienced immediate bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering” from the shooting.
The suit lists Cabana Live of Sanford LLC, Marinas LLC, Off the Muscle Entertainment LLC and two unidentified men listed as John Doe 1 and John Doe 2 all as plaintiffs.
According to the arrest report, two people began fighting Saturday morning when an uninvolved person, later identified as 16-year-old Christopher Bouie, turned around an opened fire.
Lemma estimates there were 200 people at the ‘Nobody Leaves Sober Pool Party’ on Saturday and said there were 10 armed security guards there.
The news conference is set for 8 p.m. News 6 will stream it in the media player at the top of this story when it happens.
A Seminole County dog breeder is facing civil and criminal charges after Animal Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched investigations. The business owner tells WESH the charges won’t stand. “Having those charges was sadly an expectation,” said Nina Nelson, a former employee of Maximilian Schnauzer. Nelson said she didn’t flag anything to animal services while she worked there. “I did not when I was actively there, and I do regret it,” Nelson said.But the owner of the business, which breeds schnauzers and French bulldogs, said the charges she’s facing are thanks to people, including former employees, actively working against her. “This is a plot that’s been cooking and brewing for about, I would say, November December,” the owner, Vera Clark, said. Clark was asked why people would plot against her.”When you’re successful, you have both. You have haters, and you have those that are your followers. It takes one who can instigate with other disgruntled employees an avalanche, and it just keeps on rolling,” Clark said.That avalanche seems to have started two months ago when Seminole County received a complaint. “When we went to the location to do an investigation, we were allowed in by the employees and found some anomalies inside,” said Alan Harris, Seminole County emergency services director. Those anomalies resulted in dozens of citations related to rabies vaccinations and the business’s standards of care certificate. Harris, whose department oversees Seminole County animal services, said they have also launched an investigation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. “Since then the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has also charged the individual with four misdemeanor charges related to animal welfare,” Harris said.Clark is now facing four charges of animal cruelty for failure to provide veterinary care.A report from the Sheriff’s Office describes four puppies that died between January and April of this year. For all four it said Clark, “admitted she self-diagnosed the puppy’s condition and did not seek licensed veterinary care”Clark denies the charges against her. “All wrong,” she said. “They’re going to get thrown out. I’m positive.”The report says Clark, “pleaded throughout the investigation that she always calls her veterinarian for advice whenever any of her canines need care and conducts “tele visits”. “I’m talking to my vet, listen, talk to him, I’m talking to my vet on Facetime,” Clark told WESH. However, the report says Clark “was not able to provide any records pertaining to the four puppies that are the subject of this investigation.”Harris said investigations are ongoing and more civil or criminal charges could be coming. As for the current charges against her, Clark says she isn’t afraid. “I’m not scared,” she said. “I’m exhausted. I’m not scared because I did nothing wrong.”
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. —
A Seminole County dog breeder is facing civil and criminal charges after Animal Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched investigations.
The business owner tells WESH the charges won’t stand.
“Having those charges was sadly an expectation,” said Nina Nelson, a former employee of Maximilian Schnauzer.
Nelson said she didn’t flag anything to animal services while she worked there.
“I did not when I was actively there, and I do regret it,” Nelson said.
But the owner of the business, which breeds schnauzers and French bulldogs, said the charges she’s facing are thanks to people, including former employees, actively working against her.
“This is a plot that’s been cooking and brewing for about, I would say, November December,” the owner, Vera Clark, said.
Clark was asked why people would plot against her.
“When you’re successful, you have both. You have haters, and you have those that are your followers. It takes one who can instigate with other disgruntled employees an avalanche, and it just keeps on rolling,” Clark said.
That avalanche seems to have started two months ago when Seminole County received a complaint.
“When we went to the location to do an investigation, we were allowed in by the employees and found some anomalies inside,” said Alan Harris, Seminole County emergency services director.
Those anomalies resulted in dozens of citations related to rabies vaccinations and the business’s standards of care certificate.
Harris, whose department oversees Seminole County animal services, said they have also launched an investigation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
“Since then the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has also charged the individual with four misdemeanor charges related to animal welfare,” Harris said.
Clark is now facing four charges of animal cruelty for failure to provide veterinary care.
A report from the Sheriff’s Office describes four puppies that died between January and April of this year.
For all four it said Clark, “admitted she self-diagnosed the puppy’s condition and did not seek licensed veterinary care”
Clark denies the charges against her.
“All wrong,” she said. “They’re going to get thrown out. I’m positive.”
The report says Clark, “pleaded throughout the investigation that she always calls her veterinarian for advice whenever any of her canines need care and conducts “tele visits”.
“I’m talking to my vet, listen, talk to him, I’m talking to my vet on Facetime,” Clark told WESH.
However, the report says Clark “was not able to provide any records pertaining to the four puppies that are the subject of this investigation.”
Harris said investigations are ongoing and more civil or criminal charges could be coming.
As for the current charges against her, Clark says she isn’t afraid.
“I’m not scared,” she said. “I’m exhausted. I’m not scared because I did nothing wrong.”
ORLANDO, Fla. — SunRail marks 10 years of service on May 1, as the commuter rail line looks to a future of expansion and changes.
What You Need To Know
Since SunRail service began 10 years ago, there have been more than 9.6 million riders
DeLand SunRail station to open this summer
Plans underway to extend SunRail to Orlando International Airport, convention center & Disney
Polk County is studying extending SunRail to Haines City
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) found that since service began in 2014, SunRail has served more than 9,650,000 riders.
It is currently in its third year of double-digit ridership increases since the pandemic.
The pandemic did bring a big hit to SunRail’s growth as a slew of people transitioned to working from home.
“It’s clean, efficient, it’s cheap — I can’t say enough about it,” said Kevin Lawrenson, a retiree from Maitland.
Lawrenson and his wife, Carma, take SunRail whenever they have business in downtown Orlando, or want to do some shopping or exploring at the other stops along the 49 miles of track from DeBary to Poinciana.
“Taking the SunRail is the easiest way to go because there’s literally no parking downtown whatsoever,” Lawrenson said.
Work is underway to extend SunRail another 12.2 miles to the north, to the new DeLand station, which is set to open this summer.
After 10 years of operating SunRail, FDOT will hand over the reins at the beginning of next year to the five local funding partners: the city of Orlando and Osceola, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.
They’ll be responsible for the estimated $50 million to $65 million deficit to operate SunRail annually.
“No rail pays for itself, so we all understood that’s what’s going to occur,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
Dyer says the city will be responsible for more than $15 million.
Despite the financial challenges, Dyer has been one of the biggest champions for SunRail.
Before he finishes his final term in office, he wants to see construction begin on a connection to Orlando International Airport.
“The estimates are the piece to the airport will triple the ridership and we’ll have to go seven days a week, longer hours as well, so I think that’s the critical piece, getting to the airport,” said Dyer.
Just last week FDOT released a study detailing plans to connect SunRail to Orlando International Airport in the east with the Orange County Convention Center, South International Drive and Disney Springs to the west.
If just the connection to the airport was made, FDOT found 3.7 million people would ride on SunRail. Currently, a million people ride SunRail each year.
If the entire Sunshine Corridor were built, SunRail would see 6.4 million riders. The cost to build the entire project is estimated to be $3.1 billion to $4.4 billion.
Funding would depend on federal, state and local governments, along with private partners like Brightline and the theme parks.
Brightline wants to use the tracks as they have plans to connect Orlando International Airport to Tampa.
After a planned Brightline stop at Disney was nixed, Walt Disney World told Spectrum News a SunRail stop is a possibility.
“We have long been open to discussions around the proposed SunRail expansion to Disney Springs and have been engaged with state and community leaders on the topic,” a Disney spokesperson said in a statement to Spectrum News.
Next up for Sunshine Corridor are meetings between FDOT, local leaders and the Federal Transit Administration. A $5 million to $6 million project development and environment study is also on the horizon.
Currently, FDOT is in the process of hiring a consultant firm to lead an expansion study for the first phase, which would connect Poinciana to Haines City.
Lawrenson is excited about the future of SunRail.
As someone that tries to avoid I-4, getting to the antique store in Kissimmee may have been less desirable if he had to drive on the Interstate.
“We most probably wouldn’t have come down here without SunRail,” Lawrenson said. “It’s just so convent for us.”
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – On Tuesday, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma announced the results of a six-month investigation dubbed “Operation Black Ice.”
During a news conference, Lemma discussed the operation, which targeted drug trafficking activities in and near Seminole County.
According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation involved undercover agents who purchased drugs and firearms from two-time convicted felon Floyd Aikens and his associates.
Floyd Aikens, 23 (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies said that agents managed to buy over $160,000 worth of illicit items, including:
4 pounds of fentanyl
3 pounds of heroin
5 pounds of methamphetamine
4.5 pounds of “Molly”
200 grams of marijuana
10 firearms
In addition, the investigation prevented a potential “murder-for-hire plot” against an inmate by working with prison officials, and a drone operation aimed at smuggling contraband into a correctional facility was intercepted, a release from the SCSO says.
The SCSO announced that a drone operation was intercepted while trying to smuggle contraband into a correctional facility. (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
The release also shows that a UPS distribution manager was arrested. He is accused of intercepting packages filled with drugs that were marked with fake addresses before personally delivering the parcels to those involved in the investigation.
On Tuesday, six search warrants were executed at homes in Seminole and Orange counties, ending with six further arrests, deputies said.
Of the 33 identified suspects in this case, 20 have now been apprehended thanks to the operation, according to the sheriff’s office.
List of 20 suspects in custody (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)List of wanted suspects (Seminole County Sheriff’s Office)
“This scale of this investigation exemplifies the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies and underscores our commitment to tackling illicit narcotics on our streets, especially fentanyl and the associated organized crime,” Lemma stated.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – A person of interest in a brazen carjacking earlier this month near Winter Springs has been arrested, according to jail records.
Records show Giovany Crespo-Hernandez, 27, was arrested Monday on drug charges. The Seminole County sheriff identified him last Friday as a person of interest in the carjacking of 31-year-old Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office said Aguasvivas, of Homestead, was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of East Lake Drive and Tuskawilla Road in her Dodge Durango when a masked man carrying a 10mm automatic handgun got out of a green Acura and entered her SUV, apparently forcing her to drive off at gunpoint.
Less than two hours later, a vehicle similar to the Durango was found ablaze in Osceola County after witnesses reported hearing gunshots at a construction site near Boggy Creek Road, the sheriff said, adding that the vehicle was damaged so badly that it could not be identified. A body believed to be Aguasvivas was found in the vehicle, officials said.
Aguasvivas appeared to be targeted, though the motive is still unclear, officials said.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma said detectives believe Crespo-Hernandez was the last person to speak with Aguasvivas. The sheriff said the victim’s brother called the last number used on Aguasvivas’ phone and took a screenshot of the video call, and it was later determined that the person on the call was Hernandez.
The brother also told detectives that Crespo-Hernandez told him that Aguasvivas had been in town to deliver “money and other things to a friend.”
Another person of interest, Jordanish Torres-Garcia, is facing federal gun charges in an unrelated case. The sheriff said detectives were able to link him as the person who bought the green Acura that was involved in the carjacking.
Crespo-Hernandez’s girlfriend, Monicsabel Romero-Soto, was arrested last week when deputies executed a search warrant on the couple’s home.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office provided several key developments in the homicide investigation involving a woman who was carjacked at gunpoint near Winter Springs on April 11.
Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvivas, 31, of Homestead, was attacked and kidnapped at gunpoint at an intersection near Winter Springs.
Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvias (WPLG)
Aguasvivas was stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of East Lake Drive and Tuskawilla Road in her Dodge Durango around 6 p.m. when a masked gunman carrying a 10mm automatic handgun got out of a green Acura and entered her SUV, apparently forcing her to drive off.
Later that evening, witnesses in Osceola County reported hearing gunshots and seeing smoke from a vehicle fire. The vehicle was badly damaged, and a body was found inside it. Authorities believe it is Aguasvivas.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma said at a news conference on Monday afternoon that the 2002 Green Acura in question, one of only three in the state of Florida, has been located.
Lemma said that a Winter Springs family sold the Acura to a dealership in December and that business then sold the vehicle to an auto auction. The Acura was then purchased by a “buy here, pay here” lot who later sold it again.
“And the people who purchased the car never came back to finish the additional paperwork. They still owed the person money so the car has been out on the streets probably since February,” Lemma said.
In another twist, the Acura was towed from an apartment complex on March 19. According to law enforcement officials, the tow truck driver who towed the Acura was gunned down in Orange County on April 10.
Sheriff Lemma said a green Acura similar to the one involved in the carjacking was seen at the scene where the tow truck driver was shot. More than 100 rounds were fired during the shooting with “a good percentage” of the rounds being 10mm.
Lemma went on to explain that 10mm bullets were used to kill Aguasvivas in Osceola County, although her body has not been positively identified yet.
“An incredibly unique and uncommon round for us to see out on the streets,” Lemma said.
The Acura was then located on April 13, abandoned at an Orange County apartment complex, and again towed and transferred to the sheriff’s office to be evaluated.
Lemma said that when investigators called the phone number on the back of the carjacking victim’s SUV, her husband answered. Her husband and her brother, who both live in Homestead, provided deputies with “whatever information they could on the phone” before agreeing to travel to Central Florida to meet with investigators.
The two men then reached out to a mutual childhood friend, who happens to be the wife of an Orange County deputy.
“The wife of the Orange County deputy reached out and said, ‘I’ve been contacted by this person who is identified by name as a detective with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. Can you find out whatever information you can about this particular person?’” Lemma said.
The deputy is accused of then calling Seminole County deputies, giving a false name and identifying himself as a detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office wanting to get information about this case.
“And our detectives obviously thought that that communication was strange, especially the timeliness of it. Just hours after we identify that we’re working a homicide case here,” Lemma said.
That deputy, identified as 33-year-old Francisco Estrella, and his wife are accused of illegally accessing law enforcement databases to pull up “the unique characteristics, home address, photographs, signatures of our primary detective working the case,” Lemma said.
Lemma said the communication between himself and detectives was recorded by Estrella and all of the information gathered, including the recorded call, was sent to Aguasvivas’ husband who was in transit to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office.
Aguasvivas’ husband agreed to let investigators examine his phone and deputies then discovered the communication between himself and Estrella, the Orange County deputy.
“That is why he has now been charged with five felonies here in Seminole County. Two of those felonies deal with recording and releasing the audio file of the detectives conversation with him. Two of those charges relate to unlawfully accessing a police database,” Lemma said about Estrella.
Those involved in the shooting itself and the individuals in the green Acura have still not been identified at this time, according to deputies.
“We still have incredibly dangerous people that are out there on the streets. We still want to encourage our public to again not approach these individuals they should be perceived as armed and dangerous. Anybody who has any information about the occupants of this incredibly rare vehicle here in the state of Florida should contact authorities, either the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
You can also anonymously call Crimeline at 800-423-8477 and be eligible for a reward.
On August 12, 2020, a dead body was found in Geneva, east of Sanford. Once the victim was identified, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office initial investigation led detectives to Volusia County.
