Colombia Native Convicted Of Ex-Fiancée’s 2013 Murder In FL: State

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — A Colombia native was convicted in the 2013 murder of his ex-fiancée, Jazmin Catano, according to a news release from State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office.

Andres Mauricio Collazos was convicted of second-degree murder following a jury trial that took place June 5 to 9 at the Manatee County Courthouse.

While the crime carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison, according to the extradition treaty with Colombia, the U.S. government was forced to forgo the possibility of a life sentence in order to bring Collazos back to Florida, the state attorney’s office said.

He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years and prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 9.

Collazos killed Catano on June 22, 2013, the day she moved out of their shared apartment after ending their relationship, according to Brodsky’s office.

She was attacked in her new apartment, struck four times in the back of the head and fatally shot in the back. His fingerprint was found in her blood at the crime scene.

After murdering her, Collazos drove to Fort Lauderdale and bought a one-way ticket to Colombia. He abandoned his vehicle at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when he left the country. Catano’s blood was found on his steering wheel, the state attorney’s office said.

He was extradited from Colombia in March 2019.

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict holding the defendant responsible for his heartless actions,” Assistant State Attorney Charlie Lawrence said. “The defendant’s futile attempt to evade prosecution served as further proof of his guilt. Jazmin Catano and her family have finally obtained justice and long-awaited closure for her senseless murder.”