Seminole County, Florida – Recent murders in two Central Florida counties have raised suspicions of a possible connection between the cases, according to officials. The tragic events involve a carjacking and abduction in Seminole County that resulted in the death of Katherine Aguasvivas, and a shooting in Orange County that claimed the life of Juan Cintron-Garcia.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma of Seminole County announced on Monday that there are apparent links between the suspect vehicle and weapon used in both incidents. Katherine’s father, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, expressed the devastating impact of losing his daughter, who had been a pillar of support for their family.
The carjacking and abduction of Katherine occurred at a stoplight in Winter Springs last Thursday, with the harrowing incident caught on cellphone video. Authorities revealed that the same suspect vehicle involved in Katherine’s case had been towed from an apartment complex in Orange County earlier in March. This connection came to light when it was discovered that the tow truck driver, Juan Cintron-Garcia, was a victim in a murder the day before Katherine’s abduction.
Witnesses reported a similar green car seen at the scene of Cintron-Garcia’s fatal shooting in Taft, where over a hundred rounds were fired. Sheriff Lemma highlighted the significance of 10mm rounds found in both crime scenes, emphasizing their rarity in street crimes. While the green Acura connected to the incidents was located over the weekend, the individuals responsible for the crimes remain at large, prompting law enforcement to seek assistance from the public.
Further complicating the situation, an Orange County deputy has been arrested in connection with the case, facing charges related to wiretapping and unauthorized use of police databases. The deputy allegedly contacted investigators under a false identity to provide confidential information to the victim’s husband, a violation of protocol according to law enforcement experts.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to come forward. The intertwined nature of these tragic events serves as a grim reminder of the impact of violent crimes on communities and the necessary vigilance required to address such incidents promptly and effectively.