HE SHOT HIS RADIO HOST EX-GIRLFRIEND SEVEN TIMES — THEN FLED TO MEXICO. FIVE YEARS LATER, HE FINALLY ADMITTED WHAT HE DID

Manuel Omar Burciaga Perea pleaded guilty to killing Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla, known to radio listeners as “Gaby Ramos,” in a case that stretched across two countries

For nearly five years, the killing of a beloved Utah radio host remained a painful reminder of a relationship that ended in tragedy.

Now, the man accused of taking her life has admitted what happened.

Manuel Omar Burciaga Perea, 39, pleaded guilty on Sept. 10, 2026, to murdering his former fiancée, Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla, 38, at her sister’s home in Taylorsville, Utah.

Castilla was known to listeners as “Gaby Ramos,” a Spanish-language radio personality on La Más Picosita, broadcast on KMRI.

Her death shocked those who knew her — and the case became even more complicated when Burciaga fled the United States after the killing.

THE NIGHT EVERYTHING CHANGED

The fatal incident happened during the early morning hours of Oct. 17, 2021.

According to prosecutors and police, Burciaga and Castilla had attended the same party earlier that night.

Investigators alleged that Burciaga became enraged after seeing Castilla dancing with another man.

An argument followed.

Later, at Castilla’s sister’s home, Burciaga shot his former fiancée seven times, according to authorities.

Her sister, Rocio Sifuentes, was present and witnessed the shooting.

Castilla’s young daughter was also inside the home.

Although the child was in another room, prosecutors said she could hear what was happening.

Burciaga also admitted that he fired the gun into a room where Castilla’s sister was located.

THEN HE DISAPPEARED

After the fatal shooting, Burciaga fled to Chihuahua, Mexico, his hometown.

For the family, the case did not end with Castilla’s death.

The suspect was outside the United States while investigators continued pursuing the case.

In May 2023, Burciaga was extradited back to the U.S. and remained in custody while awaiting trial.

What followed was a lengthy legal process that finally reached a dramatic turning point this week.

HE HAS NOW ADMITTED TO THE KILLING

On Thursday, Sept. 10, Burciaga pleaded guilty to:

• Murder
• Domestic violence in the presence of a child
• Reckless endangerment

His original case involved a more serious aggravated murder charge.

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to reduce that charge to murder and dismiss other allegations, including aggravated burglary.

Salt Lake County Deputy Attorney Karissa McKinney said the agreement provided accountability and finality while maintaining the seriousness of the case.

But not everyone in Castilla’s family agreed with the deal.

HER SISTER DIDN’T SUPPORT THE PLEA DEAL

Rocio Sifuentes, who witnessed the shooting, initially supported the agreement with prosecutors.

But shortly before the plea hearing, she changed her position.

She told authorities she did not support the plea deal, according to reports cited by PEOPLE and KSL.

For Castilla’s loved ones, the guilty plea may finally bring a measure of legal closure — but it cannot undo what happened five years ago.

A FINAL CHAPTER IS STILL AHEAD

Burciaga is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 10, 2026.

Until then, the case remains a stark reminder of how quickly a relationship can turn into a devastating tragedy.

Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla was remembered not only as a mother and former fiancée, but also as “Gaby Ramos,” the familiar voice heard by Spanish-speaking radio listeners in Utah.

Five years after her life was taken, the man responsible has finally admitted his role.

But for the family she left behind, no guilty plea can bring Gaby back.