Man arrested for murdering a woman and setting her on fire

Fairfax County police arrested Richard Montano, 47, of Arlington, for the brutal murder of a woman yesterday at the 2900 block of Willston Place in Seven Corners, Major Ed O’Carroll, head of the Major Crimes, Cyber and Forensics Bureau announced Aug. 11.

The victim, Silvia Vaca Abacay, age 40, was stabbed and set on fire. She was known by her family and friends as Kelly. An autopsy was conducted this morning. The chief medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. The Victim Services Unit is working with her family.

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Montano was charged with second-degree murder, burglary with the intent to commit murder, and the burning of an occupied dwelling. He is being held at the Fairfax County jail with no bond.

A neighbor had called the police to report a domestic violence incident on Aug. 10. At the same time, a fire alarm was activated, so the police and fire department both arrived shortly after 3 p.m., O’Carroll said.

“Smoke was emanating from the apartment,” O’Carroll said. “The officers took heroic action and entered the apartment. They located an adult female actively on fire. They observed stab wounds.”

They and the fire and rescue personnel provided life-saving measures but Kelly succumbed to her injuries at the scene, he said.

“We had great support from our community,” O’Carroll said. Witness reported seeing a man flee the apartment. A neighbor provided a photo that detectives shared widely and that helped them locate a person of interest.

Police found Montano at a nearby gas station in Arlington, where he was arrested and extradited to Fairfax County.

There are several search warrants being served in Fairfax and Arlington counties. Police have searched two vehicles and two residences. “We’re working through a lot of evidence for these charges to stand up in the courtroom,” O’Carroll said.

Police believe Montano acted alone. A motive has yet to be determined. He knew the victim, but the police haven’t yet determined the extent of the relationship. “They were friends and knew each other; there is no indication of anything else,” O’Carroll said. Police are still determining what exactly happened inside the apartment yesterday.

He said Montano has had minimal contact with law enforcement in the past. Police had been at the apartment tjwice before but it’s not clear whether those incidents are connected to the homicide. Several people live in that apartment and there has been some turnover.

People have spoken with many witnesses, but anyone else who has information about this case should contact detectives at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers.