Virginia Man, Richard Montano Receives Two Life Sentences for Mistaken Identity Murder


A Virginia man, Richard Montano (48), has been sentenced to life in prison for a brutal attack in 2022.  

He mistakenly killed Silvia "Kelly" Vaca Abacay (40), a mother of two, believing her to be his ex-girlfriend.

Montano beat, stabbed, and set fire to Vaca Abacay in her apartment.  

He had ended his relationship with his ex-girlfriend shortly before the attack and was apparently waiting for her at the apartment. 

Tragically, Vaca Abacay, who was temporarily staying there, became the victim of his rage.

The judge described the crime as heinous and sentenced Montano to two consecutive life sentences for first-degree murder and arson.  

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Authorities believe Montano may have known he attacked the wrong person but continued the assault regardless.

Montano's lawyer argued for a lesser sentence, claiming he wasn't "entirely evil." 

His ex-girlfriend, while relieved by the verdict, expressed guilt that Vaca Abacay was the victim of a crime intended for her.

While Montano's sentence removes him from the community, the loss of Vaca Abacay leaves a permanent scar on her family and friends. 


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