Crime & Safety

Seven Corners Homicide Victim's Family Assisted By Fundraiser

The victim of the homicide, known as Kelly to family and friends, was a wife and mother of two teenage children.

Flowers and candles have been set up in front of the Seven Corners building where Silvia Vaca Abacay "Kelly" was killed last Wednesday.
Flowers and candles have been set up in front of the Seven Corners building where Silvia Vaca Abacay "Kelly" was killed last Wednesday. (Emily Leayman/Patch)

SEVEN CORNERS, VA — After a woman was killed in a homicide in Seven Corners last Wednesday, a fundraiser is helping her family with funeral costs.

The victim of the homicide was identified as Silvia Vaca Abacay, 40, but known to family and friends as Kelly. She was found on fire and suffering from stab wounds in an apartment in the 2900 block of Willston Place.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up by Jose Luis Landivar, one of Kelly's friends, to help with funeral costs. According to the fundraiser, Kelly is survived by her husband, 14-year-old daughter, 17-year-old son and more family and friends.

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"Kelly was friendly and full of joy, and always there to help others," the fundraiser page stated. "She was loved by so many, and will be deeply missed. Her family and friends are heartbroken at their loss."

A memorial is set up where Silvia Vaca Abacay, known to family and friends as Kelly, was killed last Wednesday. Emily Leayman/Patch

The fundraiser will support the family's effort to send their loved one to her home country of Bolivia.

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Police have arrested and charged a suspect in the homicide. Richard Montano, 47, of Arlington, was charged with second degree murder, burglary with intent to commit murder, and burning of an occupied dwelling. Police believe the suspect and victim knew each other. According to early investigations, detectives believe Montano forced his way into the apartment, assaulted the victim and set her on fire before fleeing.

A memorial honoring Kelly was set up at the Villages at Falls Church, where the homicide took place. The memorial includes flowers, candles and a message in Spanish that reads in part: "In memory of Kelly Kelito, morochita (dark-haired woman), I'm going to miss you."

The police department's victim services was assigned to provide resources to the victim's family.

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