Woman's Killing With Body Set On Fire Leads To Conviction

SEVEN CORNERS, VA — The homicide of a woman that involved her body set on fire at a Seven Corners apartment led to a conviction for an Arlington man.

A jury convicted Richard Montano, 48, of Arlington, of first-degree murder and arson of an occupied dwelling for the Aug. 10, 2022 killing of Silvia “Kelly” Vaca Abacay, 40. Prosecutors believe her body was set on fire to cover up the homicide.

"As Commonwealth’s Attorney, I’ve seen considerable crime scenes and photos, but the photos from this case stood out in terms of the severity of the victim’s injuries," said Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano, whose office prosecuted the case. "Nothing can undo Silvia’s death, but a conviction ensures that the defendant is no longer a danger to members of our community. I hope today’s verdict provides the victim’s family with the first step towards healing."

Abacay had been staying at the Seven Corners apartment of her friend Fatima Via Rojas in the 2900 block of Willston Place. According to evidence presented by prosecutors, Montano had likely intended to kill Rojas after she ended their eight-year relationship in late July. Prosecutors believe Montana mistakenly thought Abacay was Via Rojas.

Ring camera footage from a neighbor showed Montana had entered the apartment without her knowing multiple times in the previous month. On the day of the killing, the neighbor called 911 multiple times after hearing screaming and banging. At the time, police said they encountered the victim on fire with stab wounds.

An autopsy from a medical examiner found Abacay died from multiple sharp and blunt force wounds before she was set on fire.

Montano had been arrested after witnesses saw a person leave the scene and police released an image taken by a bystander. Police stopped him at a nearby gas station with assistance from Arlington Police.

Montano will be sentenced on Jan. 19, 2024 and faces up to life in prison for both charges.