Sister of slain Utah radio host Gaby Ramos speaks out against domestic violence

SALT LAKE CITY — Nearly five years after the killing of local radio host Gaby Ramos, her sister is speaking out amid growing concern over domestic violence across Utah.

Rocio Sifuentes, whose sister was allegedly shot and killed by her estranged boyfriend, said the pain of that loss remains constant — even as she continues to push for justice and awareness.

Gabriela Sifuentes Castilla, known publicly as Gaby Ramos, 38, hosted a radio program on a local Spanish-language radio station, KMRI, before she was allegedly shot and killed by her estranged boyfriend in October 2021.

“It’s hard, to be honest,” Sifuentes said. “I know what I saw, and he shot my sister.”

Manuel Burciaga-Perea, 38, is scheduled to stand trial in October. The proceedings will begin just days after the five-year anniversary of Ramos’ death and during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a timing Sifuentes said feels significant.

“Though it has been a long wait, I just thought that my sister is going to be with me in that time,” she said.

While awaiting trial, Sifuentes has turned her grief into advocacy, working to support other women and families affected by domestic violence. But recent killings across the state have intensified her concern.

“Because two weeks ago another woman was killed, I felt that we need to do something,” she said.

Among the recent cases is the death of Lindha Paola Zerpa, one of at least three women in Utah killed in suspected incidents of domestic violence this year. The other two victims are Jeusselem Genes Vitola and Kaylene Allred.

Domestic violence includes a pattern of behaviors used by a current or former partner to gain or maintain control over another person. This can involve physical violence, emotional abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or psychological harm.

State data underscores the urgency. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ Injury and Violence Prevention Program, one in three Utah women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The number of deaths tied to such violence has also risen in recent years.

“Since 2019, we have seen an increase, between 2019 and 2023, that’s really the most recent data that we have vetted so far,” said Joel Johnson, communications manager for the program.

While final numbers for 2024 and 2025 are still being compiled, Johnson said figures for deaths linked to domestic violence climbed from 11 in 2019 to 27 in 2023.

“We’re trying to figure out why it’s happening,” Johnson said, adding that most fatalities involve firearms or sharp instruments and often follow an argument.

Common warning signs of domestic violence include extreme jealousy, isolation from loved ones, insults or criticism, control over looks or what one wears, and frequent demands to know their partners’ whereabouts.

For Sifuentes, the statistics represent far more than data points.

“It’s just not numbers … they are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends,” she said, adding that she was especially impacted by Zerpa’s murder, given that she leaves behind a son who is roughly the same age as Ramos’ daughter in 2021. Sifuentes is now raising her niece.

In response, Sifuentes said the Gaby Ramos Foundation is organizing a community vigil this Friday to honor victims and raise awareness, particularly within the Hispanic community. The event will focus on unity, healing, and a call for change, she said.

“I want to send all of my love to the victims’ families. They’re not alone,” Sifuentes said. “They need to keep fighting, not just for the people who were lost, but for the people who stay behind, like the kids.”

Sifuentes said several organizations dedicated to serving the Hispanic community are sponsoring the vigil, including Mujeres Unidas Utah, Centro Civico Mexicano, Colombianos en Utah, and Venezolanos en Utah, in their efforts to raise awareness and encourage efforts to prevent future tragedies.

The vigil will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at Veterans Memorial Park in West Jordan, located at 1985 W. 7800 South.

To learn more about the Violence Injury and Prevention Program, visit: https://vipp.utah.gov/

Domestic violence resources

If you or someone you know is going through abuse, help is available.

• The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition operates a confidential statewide, 24-hour domestic abuse hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465).
• Resources are also available online at the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition website.
• 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

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