Victim in Osceola murder-for-hire plot remembered at service

Janice Zengotita-Torres mistaken for intended target

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Family and friends gathered Friday to remember a Kissimmee mother who was killed after deputies say she was mistaken for someone else in a murder-for-hire plot.  

A funeral service was held for Janice Zengotita-Torres at the San Juan Funeral Home in Kissimmee. 

Osceola County deputies said Zengotita-Torres was abducted earlier this month and then suffocated. Her body was then dumped in Ormond Beach.  

Deputies said three suspects were behind the plot: Ishnar Lopez Ramos hired Alexis Ramos Riveria and Glorianmarie Quinones Montes to kill a romantic rival. However, they mistook Zengotita-Torres for the intended target, police say. 

All three suspects are charged with first-degree murder. They are currently being held in jail without bail.

On Friday, Zengotita-Torres' family members thanked the community for the outpouring of support and asked for privacy as they grieve. 

"She had excellent qualities, loved by everyone. Janice's humbleness won her many friendships that today suffer the loss with us. And we do have the certainty that Janice will dwell with the Lord and she will always dwell in our hearts and in the hearts of everyone," Zengotita-Torres' sister said. 

Her sister added they're confident justice will be served.

"We ask the authorities that the appropriate penalties and sentences be given to those responsible for the death of Janice," Zengotita-Torres' sister said.

Maj. Jacob Ruiz, a spokesman for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, reiterated Friday that the death of Zengotita-Torres was an unspeakable tragedy. 

"It's just despicable and it's wild. There's no words to describe it. There's no words to describe it and I think that's why our communities have come together and there's so much talk about it because it's so unbelievable really, it's hard to describe," Ruiz said. 

He added that the investigation is still active. 

"We want to verify and make sure that we turn over a complete case to the state attorney's office. Make sure there's no holes and no information left out," Ruiz said.


About the Authors:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.