Victim Found On Fire In Seven Corners Homicide, Suspect Charged

SEVEN CORNERS, VA — The person of interest in a woman's killing in Seven Corners Wednesday is now a suspect who has been charged, Fairfax County Police say. The victim had been on fire when police arrived on the scene, and a bystander photo helped police find the suspect.

The suspect, Richard Montano, 47, of Arlington, was charged with second degree murder, burglary with intent to commit murder, and burning of an occupied dwelling.

After 3 p.m., Wednesday, police and the fire department had responded to the 2900 block of Willston Place for a domestic dispute call and fire alarm activation. Officers encountered an 40-year-old woman on fire with stab wounds and an active fire inside, according to Maj. Ed O'Carroll, commander of the police department's Major Crimes Bureau. O'Carroll confirmed the victim had also been stabbed.

The victim was identified as Silvia Vaca Abacay, 40, who goes by the name Kelly. An autopsy conducted Thursday will determine the cause and manner of death. One officer was treated for smoke inhalation from the response.

The suspect was arrested after witnesses saw a person leave the scene and police released an image taken by a bystander. According to O'Carroll, the suspect went to a residence in Arlington, then police stopped him at a nearby gas station with assistance from Arlington Police.

After the suspect was transferred over the county line to Fairfax County, he is now being held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

Preliminarily, detectives believe Montano forced entry, assaulted Abacay and set her on fire before fleeing. O'Carroll said the suspect and victim were acquainted, and the incident is not believed to be random. He said detectives are working to determine what happened inside the apartment.

This was the 14th homicide of 2022 in Fairfax County, compared to 15 by this time in 2021. The investigation continues as police are in contact with witnesses and examining evidence.

"We have several search warrants that we have served and are currently serving in Fairfax and in Arlington," said O'Carroll at a Thursday news conference. "So we're working through a lot of evidence in this case for these charges to stand up in the courtroom."

The police department's victim services is assisting the victim's family, who O'Carroll said are "devastated."

Anyone with information can contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800.