LOCAL NEWS

Man arrested in Mexico for murder of Utah radio host

Nov 25, 2022, 3:15 PM | Updated: 10:27 pm

TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — A 35-year-old man accused of killing a woman last year in Taylorsville and then fleeing the country has been arrested in Mexico.

According to a Friday afternoon press release from the Taylorsville City Police Department, Manuel Omar Burciaga-Perea was apprehended in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Nov. 24 “with the assistance of federal and state agents in Mexico and the United States Marshals Service.”

He is accused of shooting and killing Gabriela Sifuentes-Castilla — a local Spanish radio show host who went by the name of Gaby Ramos — at her sister’s house, located near 2300 West and 5200 South, on Oct. 17, 2021.

“Sifuentes-Castilla was shot seven times in the chest, arm and head, according to charging documents filed in November 2021,” the release stated.

Tragically, she died of her wounds at the scene.

Police said Burciaga-Perea and Sifuentes-Castilla had been in a relationship but were not together at the time of her death.

Family speaks out after Taylorsville woman gunned down in her home

According to the release, detectives learned that Burciaga-Perea had flown to his hometown in Chihuahua, Mexico, immediately following the shooting.

“Because Burciaga-Perea is a Mexican citizen and was in Mexico, TVPD did not have any authority to detain him despite his known location, which prompted further legal proceedings to have him arrested,” the release stated.

On Oct. 19, two days after the shooting, an arrest warrant for Burciaga-Perea was obtained.

Police said multiple agencies — including Taylorsville police, the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service in Utah, and the U.S. Department of Justice — worked in connection with the Mexican State Attorney General’s Office and federal court in Mexico to execute that arrest warrant.

“This could not have happened without the teamwork, perseverance and cooperation between offices,” said TVPD Chief Brady Cottam. “The process was tedious and painstaking, but we are grateful for this significant step toward resolution and justice.”

Burciaga-Perea will be held with the Federal Justice Center in Mexico, according to police, pending an extradition hearing based on the National Code of Criminal Procedures.

When Ramos’ family heard he had been arrested, they couldn’t believe it.

“I was in shock, then I was crying. I was like, ‘Finally, finally, they got him,'” said Rocio Sifuentes, Gaby Ramos’ sister.

Ramos’ sister said she has hope that justice will soon be served for her sister.

“We need to keep fighting for real justice — it’s not the end, just the beginning,” Sifuentes said.

She added, if anyone is in an unhealthy relationship, to know that there are resources out there to help.

“Please speak out, break the silence, you are not alone,” Sifuentes said.


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

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Police confirmed Monday they were investigating whether the same driver was responsible for multipl...

Andrew Adams

Police investigate whether same driver is responsible for multiple hit-and-runs

Police confirmed Monday they were investigating whether the same driver was responsible for multiple hit-and-run collisions.

34 minutes ago

two men sit at a table and look at a phone...

Matt Gephardt

Imposters stealing Utah restaurant names to deceive drivers and customers on food delivery apps

When a popular Provo pizzeria couldn’t get a food delivery app to remove an impostor account, the owners decided to Get Gephardt to investigate.

1 hour ago

The spring homebuying season is here, and realtor Alicia Holdaway says Utah’s housing market is g...

Daniel Woodruff

What’s changing in Utah’s housing market after real estate lawsuit settlement

The spring homebuying season is here, and realtor Alicia Holdaway says Utah’s housing market is getting busy.

2 hours ago

One of Utah County's three commissioners has been battling a tumor causing him to miss a series of ...

Lindsay Aerts

Utah County Commission chair calls for resignation of Tom Sakievich over ability to work

One of Utah County's three commissioners has been battling a tumor causing him to miss a series of recent commission meetings and other county work.

3 hours ago

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong way crash early S...

Garna Mejia

Family grieves the loss of a man killed in Sunday’s wrong-way crash

A Weber County family is mourning the loss of a 28-year-old man killed in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning.

4 hours ago

The motorcycle accident that happened near 350 South 200 East....

Michael Houck

Motorcyclist crash closes road in Salt Lake City

Police say a critical injury crash involving a motorcyclist has closed a road in downtown Salt Lake City.

5 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Man arrested in Mexico for murder of Utah radio host