Two men connected to a drug‑trafficking organization have admitted to killing a Miami man in 2022 after accusing him of stealing a package containing 11 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $90,000, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Tsvia Kol, 37, of Hallandale, and Jimmy Sanchez, 37, of Spring Valley, California, pleaded guilty to charges related to the drug-related homicide and now face potential life sentences, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Hotel meeting escalates into deadly violence
Prosecutors said the deadly encounter unfolded inside a hotel room, where Kol and Sanchez met with the victim. Authorities allege Kol armed Sanchez during the meeting. At some point, the victim called 911 to report his location, and audio from the call reportedly captured a struggle followed by gunfire.
Investigators said Sanchez later admitted to fatally shooting the victim and leaving his body inside the hotel room. The victim was discovered the following morning.
Surveillance footage captures suspects fleeing
Hotel security cameras recorded Kol and Sanchez leaving the property shortly after the shooting, according to prosecutors.
Federal investigators later linked both men to a drug-trafficking organization responsible for transporting and distributing large quantities of methamphetamine.
Prosecutors denounce drug-related violence
“This case illustrates that drugs and violence go hand in hand,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As part of their drug operation, these defendants shipped large amounts of methamphetamine, and when they believed the victim stole their product, they killed him in cold blood.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida echoed that sentiment, calling the killing a brutal consequence of the drug trade.
“This was a cold-blooded murder driven by the drug trade, where intimidation and greed turned narcotics trafficking into violence and death,” Quiñones said.
Plea agreements and sentencing
As part of their plea agreements, Kol and Sanchez admitted responsibility for both the murder and the distribution of methamphetamine, federal officials said.
Sentencing hearings for both defendants are expected to take place later this year.