The authorities believe that the body found inside a burned car on Thursday is likely that of Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvias, a Florida woman who was abducted at gunpoint in a brazen daylight attack, according to police.
Sheriff Dennis Lemma of Seminole County stated during a news conference on Friday that they are confident the charred remains found in the SUV match the description of Guerrero De Aguasvias, 31, who was abducted in a rural area south of Orlando.
Although the body and the car were severely damaged, officials could not confirm the identity of Guerrero De Aguasvias. However, Lemma stressed that the circumstances align too closely with the unusual kidnapping to assume it was a different victim.
Lemma described the incident as a tragic and horrific situation.
The abduction was captured on video by a witness who saw Guerrero De Aguasvias being followed by a green Acura, which eventually rammed into her car multiple times.
Guerrero De Aguasvias, who was far from her home, called her husband for help after the terrifying ordeal began. Despite her husband’s instructions not to stop the car, she was forced to halt at a stoplight shortly after the call.
A masked man approached Guerrero De Aguasvias’ vehicle, brandishing a firearm and climbing into the back seat. He then directed her car away from the intersection under his control.
Police suspect that the abductor was familiar with the area where he took Guerrero De Aguasvias, indicating a premeditated plan rather than a random incident.
The burning SUV was found in a construction area just 17 miles from where Guerrero De Aguasvias was taken. Multiple shell casings were discovered at the scene, matching the handgun used by the kidnapper, according to Lemma.
While investigators believe the attack was targeted, they are unsure of the motive behind it, with many aspects of the case remaining unknown.
One puzzling aspect is why neither Guerrero De Aguasvias nor her husband contacted 911 during the incident. Both had immigrated to the US from the Dominican Republic five years ago and were involved in businesses in South Florida.
Lemma mentioned that there is no criminal history for the couple in the US, and no apparent reason why they would be targeted in such a manner.
Guerrero De Aguasvias’ husband informed investigators that she was traveling to visit family in Central Florida, but could not provide specific details about the relatives. Authorities were unable to locate any family members in the area.
Lemma did not confirm whether Guerrero De Aguasvias’ husband is a suspect, but urged the public to report any sightings of the individuals involved in the abduction and murder, emphasizing that they should be considered armed and dangerous.
“Do not approach them yourself, contact law enforcement immediately,” Lemma advised.
