Man Convicted After Victim Found Taped and Shot, Body Abandoned in Rented Chevy Malibu
GRAFTON, WISCONSIN — A Wisconsin jury has convicted Miguel Aponte, 34, of first-degree intentional homicide after prosecutors proved he was responsible for the killing of a man whose body was discovered taped, bound, and shot inside an abandoned rental car along a roadside north of Milwaukee.
Body Discovered Inside Abandoned Rental Car
The case began on March 4, when authorities in Grafton — a village just north of Milwaukee — approached a Chevy Malibu that appeared to be abandoned along the side of the road. Inside the back seat, investigators found the body of 49-year-old Laeng Sanavongsay, already deceased.
According to investigators, Sanavongsay had tape over his mouth, binding marks on his wrists, and had been shot in the head. Authorities also noted burn damage and smoke residue inside the vehicle, suggesting an attempt to destroy or conceal evidence.
Investigation Traced Rental Car Back to Chicago
Detectives later learned that Sanavongsay had rented the Chevy Malibu at Chicago O’Hare International Airport the day before his body was found.
Phone records revealed that the last call made from the victim’s phone was to a number associated with a Milwaukee auto repair shop, prompting investigators to search the business and expand their inquiry using cell tower data.
DNA Evidence Links Suspect to the Killing
Months later, in September, the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office announced a major break in the case. DNA recovered from inside the Chevy Malibu was matched to Aponte through the FBI’s CODIS national DNA database.
Authorities testified that Aponte’s DNA was also found on Sanavongsay’s right hand and on a mattress located at the Milwaukee auto shop, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
Suspect’s Statements Shifted Over Time
During questioning, Aponte initially denied knowing the victim. He later admitted he had met Sanavongsay once, and eventually acknowledged being with the victim and others on the night of the killing — though he continued to deny pulling the trigger.
Prosecutors argued the physical evidence and timeline contradicted Aponte’s denials.
Sheriff: Location Was Simply Where the Killing Happened
Christy Knowles, the Ozaukee County sheriff, downplayed any geographic motive behind the crime.
“They drove up, found a place to kill somebody, and it just happened to be in Ozaukee County,” she said, according to WITI.
Prosecutors Believe Aponte Didn’t Act Alone
During trial, Ben Lindsay told jurors he believes Aponte did not act alone in the killing. However, no additional suspects have been arrested, and authorities have not publicly identified any accomplices.
The jury found Aponte guilty of first-degree intentional homicide and felony bail jumping, while acquitting him on a charge related to attempting to mutilate a corpse.
Sentencing Scheduled, Life Sentence Possible
Aponte is scheduled to be sentenced on March 9. Under Wisconsin law, a conviction for first-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence, with eligibility for parole determined by the court.
As the case heads to sentencing, it stands as one of the more disturbing homicide cases in southeastern Wisconsin in recent years, involving a calculated killing and an attempt to discard the victim in a public place.
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