In a shocking and tragic incident in Pennsylvania, 50-year-old Carmen Martinez-Silva was brutally stabbed to death by her boyfriend, 49-year-old Benjamin Garcia Gual, after she got a new haircut that he disapproved of. Police arrived at the crime scene where they found Benjamin holding a bloody knife, with Carmen’s lifeless body nearby and two others injured.
The incident unfolded the day after Carmen had cut her hair. When she returned home, Benjamin was visibly upset. Fearing for her safety, she chose to spend the night at her daughter’s house. Carmen’s daughter later told police that Benjamin had even threatened to stab her mother over the new haircut.
A Woman’s Fear and Escape
Still terrified of Benjamin, Carmen left her daughter’s house and went to her brother’s home, telling a friend to inform Benjamin that their relationship was over. Benjamin, enraged by this, tracked her down to her brother’s house. When Carmen’s brother tried to prevent him from entering by lying that she wasn’t there, Benjamin returned soon after. As soon as the brother opened the door, Benjamin attacked him with a knife.
Carmen, in an attempt to protect her brother, ran out, but Benjamin turned on her. He viciously stabbed her while she screamed for help and even attempted to attack others in the house who tried to intervene.
The Arrest
When police arrived at the scene, they found Benjamin still holding the knife. Carmen was dead, and her brother had sustained multiple stab wounds, though reports suggest he may survive. Both victims were rushed to the hospital.
Benjamin Garcia Gual has been charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment for his violent actions.