MIAMI — Two men tied to a drug‑trafficking ring have pleaded guilty to murdering a Miami man in 2022 after accusing him of stealing a package containing 11 pounds of methamphetamine valued at roughly $90,000, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
Tsvia Kol, 37, of Hallandale, and Jimmy Sanchez, 37, of Spring Valley, California, admitted responsibility in the killing and face up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Authorities said Kol and Sanchez confronted the victim in a hotel room. After Kol armed Sanchez, the victim called 911, and audio from the call captured a struggle and gunfire. Sanchez later admitted to fatally shooting the victim and leaving the body in the hotel room. The victim was not discovered until the following morning. Security cameras recorded Kol and Sanchez fleeing the hotel.
Investigators linked the men to a drug-trafficking organization responsible for shipping large amounts of methamphetamine.
“This case illustrates that drugs and violence go hand in hand,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva. “As part of their drug operation, these defendants shipped large amounts of methamphetamine, and when they thought the victim stole their product, they killed him in cold blood.”
U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones added, “This was a cold-blooded murder driven by the drug trade, where intimidation and greed turned narcotics trafficking into violence and death.”
Kol and Sanchez also admitted to meth distribution in their plea agreements. Sentencing hearings are scheduled for later this year.
