He forced his way into the apartment believing his ex-girlfriend was inside. She wasn't. The woman staying there had nothing to do with him — and she paid with her life.
The Murder
On August 10, 2022, police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at an apartment in Falls Church, Virginia, after a neighbor called about an argument between a man and a woman. When officers arrived, they found smoke coming from the unit and discovered Silvia Vaca Abacay on fire and suffering from stab wounds. First responders attempted to save her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A medical examiner determined she had been stabbed multiple times.
A Case of Mistaken Identity
Investigators determined that Abacay had been temporarily staying in the apartment of Richard Montano's ex-girlfriend, Fatima Via, and that Montano forced his way into the unit believing Via was inside. Surveillance footage showed him entering the building before the attack; he fled to his home in Arlington, where he was later arrested.
Trial and Conviction
A jury convicted Montano of first-degree murder and arson. Fatima Via was present in court to hear the verdict and later expressed guilt over the fact that Abacay had been killed in an attack she believed had been intended for her.
Remembering Silvia
Friends described Abacay as a devoted mother of two known for her warmth and generosity. A fundraiser was organized to help cover the cost of returning her body to her native Bolivia for burial.
FAQ
Why did Richard Montano attack Silvia Vaca Abacay?
Investigators believe he mistook her for his ex-girlfriend, who had let Abacay temporarily stay in her apartment.
What was Montano convicted of?
First-degree murder and arson.
How did police identify Montano as a suspect?
Surveillance footage showed him entering the apartment building before the attack.