A Utah man has admitted to killing his former fiancée, Spanish-language radio host Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla, in a fatal shooting that took place nearly five years ago. Manuel Omar Burciaga Perea, 39, pleaded guilty to murder after authorities said he shot Castilla seven times at her sister’s home in Taylorsville in October 2021. He fled to Mexico following the killing and was later returned to the United States to face charges.
Utah Man Admits to Killing Former Fiancée
Manuel Omar Burciaga Perea pleaded guilty on Thursday, September 10, to murder in connection with the death of 38-year-old Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla. The plea was entered in Salt Lake County Criminal Court, according to court information.
Castilla was known to local Spanish-language radio listeners as “Gaby Ramos.” She worked at La Mas Picosita, a Spanish-language radio station broadcast on KMRI.
The shooting happened during the early morning hours of October 17, 2021, at Castilla’s sister’s residence in Taylorsville, Utah. Police said Burciaga shot his former fiancée seven times following an argument.
The case also involved domestic violence in the presence of a child and reckless endangerment charges.
Prosecutors Say Jealousy Led to the Fatal Shooting
According to charging documents, Burciaga and Castilla had attended the same party before the incident. Prosecutors alleged that he became enraged after seeing her dancing with another man.
The confrontation later turned deadly at her sister’s home. Castilla’s sister, Rocio Sifuentes, witnessed the shooting. Court information also stated that Castilla’s young daughter, who was in another room, could hear the gunfire.
Burciaga admitted to firing the weapon in a room where Castilla’s sister was present that night.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the dangers that can arise when relationship conflicts escalate into violence.
Suspect Fled to Mexico After 2021 Killing
Following the shooting, Burciaga fled to his hometown of Chihuahua, Mexico, according to reports. He remained outside the United States until May 2023, when he was extradited back to the country.
He was subsequently held in jail while awaiting trial.
The plea agreement reduced his original aggravated murder charge to murder. Prosecutors also dismissed additional charges, including aggravated burglary, as part of the agreement.
Salt Lake County Deputy Attorney Karissa McKinney said the deal provided accountability and finality while recognizing the seriousness of the crime.
However, Castilla’s sister, Rocio Sifuentes, said she did not support the plea agreement.
Sentencing Scheduled for December 2026
Manuel Omar Burciaga Perea is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10, 2026.
The guilty plea brings a major development in a case that began with the killing of a local radio personality in 2021. Castilla’s family has continued to seek accountability for her death, while the court process moves toward sentencing.
