Mistaken Identity: Virginia Man's Brutal Murder of Innocent Woman

Richard Montano, a Virginia man, has been convicted of first-degree murder and arson for brutally killing Silvia "Kelly" Vaca Abacay, whom he mistook for his ex-girlfriend. Abacay was found beaten, stabbed, and set on fire in August 2022. Montano intended to target his ex-girlfriend but mistakenly attacked Abacay, who was staying at her friend's apartment. The victim's body had multiple injuries, and a neighbor's 911 call captured her screams. Montano initially fled but was later arrested. He pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by the jury. He now faces a potential life sentence in prison.