Family speaks out after Taylorsville woman gunned down in her home

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — A manhunt is underway for a man accused of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend in Taylorsville.

The victim was identified by family members Sunday as 38-year-old Gaby Ramos.

Ramos was a well-known member of the Hispanic community. She was a radio host for a local Spanish-language radio station called “La Mas Picosita.”

Family members allege Ramos’ life was tragically cut short by her ex-fiancé, 34-year-old Manuel Omar Burciaga-Perea.

#EXCLUSIVE– Family members confirm 38 YO woman shot & killed is local Spanish-language radio host Gaby Ramos. Police are looking for 34 Manuel Burciaga-Perea, Ramos ex fiancé. Info call Taylorsville Police at 801-840-4000. @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/alOksfOJrN

— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) October 18, 2021

Ramos’ sister, Rocio Sifuentes, told KSL’s Garna Mejia that Ramos got home around 1 a.m. Sunday to find Burciaga-Perea parked outside her house.

Sifuentes said he confronted Ramos over an engagement ring and the couple started arguing.

At one point, Burciaga-Perea allegedly punched the front window of the home Ramos shares with Sifuentes, which is located near 5200 Autumn Park Dr. in Taylorsville.

The confrontation then moved inside the house, according to Sifuentes, where things got physical.

That’s when Sifuentes said she and her husband stepped in to break up the fight and called 911.

Shortly after, Ramos’ sister said Burciaga-Perea ran into Ramos’ bedroom and took the ring. Then, he left.

Meanwhile, Sifuentes said they were still on the phone with the 911 operator and told them Burciaga-Perea was gone and they did not think he would return.

Sifuentes said the operator informed her they would still send an officer to check in on them and asked them to call back right away if the suspect returned.

It was just a few minutes later that Sifuentes said they heard a knock at the door.

The sisters initially thought it was the responding officer, but quickly realized it was the suspect.

“He was knocking, then started banging on the door, and we had our two nieces in the house. And so then, my sister opened the door and told him to leave and he shot her. It was a matter of seconds — everything was so fast, it happened so fast,” Sifuentes said.

Sifuentes said she tried to help her sister, but then the suspect pointed the gun at her.

Sifuentes’ husband said he heard a second round of shots and his wife ducked into the hallway.

When the shots stopped, they rushed to check on Ramos, who was on the floor near the front door.

Sifuentes said police arrived shortly after the shooting and attempted to render aid and CPR.

According to Sifuentes, Ramos died in their arms.

Sifuentes isn’t sure why the suspect returned or if he was carrying the gun all along. However, still in shock about what happened, she had this message for anyone in a toxic relationship.

“If someone is violent, please don’t think it can’t happen to you. Things can happen. Think about your family and do everything you can to protect them and you,” she said.

Taylorsville police said Burciaga-Perea was last seen:

• Wearing a black hooded sweater, blue jeans, and brown shoes with white soles
• Driving a 2000 Chevy full size extended cab truck with Utah license plate: U405MN

Police consider him armed and dangerous.

They believe Burciaga-Perea might flee to Mexico, but family members think he could also still be hiding out in Utah.

A police spokesperson said official notification of the victim is pending the Medical Examiner’s report.

Anyone with information on Burciaga-Perea’s whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 or contact the Taylorsville Police Department at 801-840-4000.

Ramos leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter, who family members said was told on Sunday evening by her dad that her mom died.

A GoFundMe* account has been set up to help raise money so Ramos’ body can be returned to Mexico.

*KSL-TV does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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Domestic violence resources

Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting:

• Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: Utah’s confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
• YWCA Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
• Utah’s statewide child abuse and neglect hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233