Kenito Montoya: Pennsylvania man shot dead after trying to protect sister from ex-BF during 'physical altercation'

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES: Early Sunday morning, a Pennsylvania man tragically lost his life after defending his sister from her ex-boyfriend, who fatally shot him in the head.

Authorities are actively seeking the defendant 31-year-old Yeicop Menjivar, who will be charged with murder for the shooting death of 24-year-old Kenito Montoya. 

According to police reports, Menjivar arrived at the family's residence in Upper Darby Township, demanding to speak with Montoya's sister, his former girlfriend as per CrimeOnline.

Additional details emerged following accounts provided by the victim's family regarding the events that transpired at the crime scene.

Kenito Montoya shot and killed by his sister's ex-boyfriend 

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Tim Bernhardt reported that Kenito Montoya's sister woke up and joined defendant Yeicop Menjiver downstairs, a heated verbal altercation ensued. 

Montoya, the brother of Menjiver's former girlfriend, intervened before the situation escalated. 

According to Bernhardt, the confrontation escalated to a physical altercation as they moved to the basement, where Menjiver fatally shot Montoya in the forehead with a handgun.

Following this tragic loss, Montoya's father referred to Menjiver as 'the assassin' who targeted his daughter because she ended their relationship. Montoya's mother, Nahun Montoya, described her son as a great person who heroically sacrificed himself to save his sister.

Bernhardt corroborated the family's account, stating that Montoya intervened to protect his sister from harm. He lamented that Menjiver's anger tragically resulted in Montoya's death.

Upper Darby Police issue warning amid killer's search

According to NBC Philadelphia, Upper Darby police issued a warning to residents, urging them to remain vigilant as they believe a dangerous individual is at large.

Early Tuesday morning, authorities shared photographs on social media of 31-year-old Yeicop Menjivar, also known as Yieco Menjivar Pacheco, as they actively seek him in connection with a murder during a domestic incident that occurred at a residence on Kent Road in Upper Darby on Sunday.

Initial reports on social media indicated that the incident occurred in the 200 block of Kent Road.

According to law enforcement officials, the incident unfolded when Menjivar arrived at the Montoya family home around 2 am on Sunday.

Authorities continue their search for Menjivar, advising the public that he is suspected to be driving a blue or black Honda Civic and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Describing the vehicle, Superintendent Bernhardt stated, "If someone sees it, you’re not going to miss it, It’s very loud. The loud exhaust and it’s dark blue with a black stripe. So it’s very distinctive.”

Individuals who may encounter Menjivar are urged to immediately contact 911.