Virginia Mother's Brutal Murder: Attacker, Richard Montano, Mistook Virginia Mother for Ex-Girlfriend And Brutally Murdered Her

 

A man who brutally attacked and killed a Virginia mother, then set her apartment on fire, believed she was his ex-girlfriend who had broken up with him a month earlier, according to prosecutors.

Richard Montano, aged 48, was found guilty of first-degree murder on Thursday for the horrific murder of 40-year-old Silvia "Kelly" Vaca Abacay on August 10, 2022.

During the trial, prosecutors pointed out that Montano "literally went for the jugular," referencing Abacay's autopsy, which revealed she had suffered 10 stab wounds and blunt-force trauma to her face, head, and neck before Montano set the apartment ablaze.

Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney Steve Descano expressed, "As a Commonwealth's Attorney, I've witnessed numerous crime scenes and photos, but the images from this case were particularly disturbing in terms of the victim's injuries. This case presented some of the most horrifying crime scenes I've ever encountered."

Abacay had been staying with her close friend, Via Rojas, who had ended her eight-year relationship with Montano at the end of July 2022.

According to Descano, for the next month, a Ring doorbell camera captured Montano repeatedly entering her apartment without her knowledge.

He was even seen on camera in the apartment just 10 days before Abacay was tragically killed.

A neighbor called 911 multiple times after hearing screams and loud noises on the day Montano killed the "beloved mom and wife."

During the trial, the 911 call was played, and prosecutors emphasized the pain and fear in Silvia's voice as she screamed for her life.

Detectives who testified during the trial described bloodstains on the walls.

When first responders arrived at the Falls Church apartment, they were met with thick smoke, and they discovered Abacay's body on fire. Despite their efforts, they were unable to save her, and she was declared dead at the scene.

Prosecutors argued that Montano had targeted the wrong person and was now attempting to cover his tracks.

Abacay's friend Jose Luis Landivar described her as a friendly and joyful person who was always there to help others. He expressed that she was loved by many and would be deeply missed, leaving behind two teenage children, her husband, and numerous relatives and friends.

While Descano acknowledged that the conviction wouldn't bring Abacay back, he hoped it would be the first step toward healing for her family. He stated that the conviction ensured the defendant would no longer pose a threat to the community.

Montano is set to be sentenced on January 19, 2024, and he faces a potential life sentence.

In another development, the ex-president has decided to drop his $500 million lawsuit against his former fixer, but he hints that it might come back later. See detailed story here

[SOURCE]