UPPER DARBY, Pa. — A 24-year-old man from Pennsylvania was tragically killed over the weekend while trying to protect his sister during a domestic dispute. The Upper Darby Police Department reported that Kenito Montoya intervened in the early morning hours on Sunday, only to be shot in the head by a man referred to by his family as “the assassin.” Authorities are now on the hunt for the armed suspect.
The incident took place at a residence on Kent Road in Upper Darby Township, a suburb located approximately 30 minutes west of Philadelphia. Responding officers discovered Montoya with a gunshot wound and rushed him to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he remained on life support until his family made the difficult decision to donate his organs. Sadly, Montoya succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
The suspect, identified as Yeicop Menjivar or Yieco Menjivar Pacheco, is believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s. The police department issued a social media post describing him as armed and dangerous, urging anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately. Menjivar was last seen driving a blue and black Honda Civic.
According to reports, Menjivar arrived at the Montoya family home around 2 a.m., demanding to see the victim’s sister. A heated argument ensued, which ultimately led to a physical altercation between Menjivar and Montoya in the basement of the residence. It was during this fight that Menjivar allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Montoya in the head.
The victim’s family has described Menjivar as an “assassin” who targeted their home because the sister no longer wanted to be in a relationship with him. Montoya’s father praised his son’s bravery, stating that he died a hero, saving his sister’s life.
Murder charges have been filed against Menjivar by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt has urged anyone with information about Menjivar’s whereabouts to come forward and noted that the police are actively searching for him.
The devastated family of Kenito Montoya is urging anyone who may be hiding Menjivar to turn him into the police. The tragic loss of their beloved son and brother serves as a chilling reminder of the need to address domestic disputes and violence in our communities.