A Kansas man has admitted to killing a young mother in a brutal stabbing attack that took place in front of her children last year.
The case has drawn significant attention because the victim had called 911 shortly before the attack, but communication difficulties reportedly prevented authorities from fully understanding the danger she was facing.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty to Murder and Attempted Murder
Edward A. Millan-Volcan, 26, recently pleaded guilty to first-degree felony murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Sinay Leon-Montoya. He also pleaded guilty to attempted murder for attacking another woman, Germany Torres Figueroa, during the same incident.
The plea agreement comes nearly a year after the violent crime shocked the Wichita community. Prosecutors say Millan-Volcan now faces a lengthy prison sentence for his actions.
Victim Called 911 Before the Fatal Attack
According to investigators, Leon-Montoya contacted emergency services on July 17, 2025, to report a domestic disturbance. During the call, she allegedly told dispatchers that Millan-Volcan had been physically assaulting her, choking her, and threatening to kill both her and her children.
However, authorities said a language barrier made communication difficult between the victim and the dispatcher. Before officers could respond, Leon-Montoya reportedly ended the call and returned to the apartment because she believed something had happened involving one of her children.
Tragically, the decision to return home placed her directly back in danger.
Violence Escalated Inside the Apartment
After returning to the apartment in Wichita, Leon-Montoya, her children, and Germany Torres Figueroa were allegedly forced into a bedroom by Millan-Volcan.
Investigators say the defendant then attacked both women with a sharp tool. Figueroa attempted to intervene and stop the assault but suffered injuries herself during the struggle.
When police arrived after receiving another emergency call, they found Figueroa outside the apartment with injuries consistent with stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital and survived the attack.
Inside the apartment, officers discovered Leon-Montoya suffering from multiple severe stab wounds. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she was later pronounced dead.
Medical Examiner Reveals Extent of the Injuries
Authorities described the attack as exceptionally violent. According to the medical examiner, Leon-Montoya suffered more than 60 puncture wounds across her body.
The injuries affected her chest, neck, arms, back, and head. Investigators said at least 21 of the wounds penetrated vital organs, including her heart and lungs.
Evidence recovered from the scene included a scratch awl, a pointed hand tool believed to have been used during the attack.
The severity of the injuries highlighted the extreme nature of the violence that occurred inside the apartment.
Children Witnessed the Horrific Incident
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the case is that the victim’s young children were present during the attack.
Investigators confirmed that the children witnessed at least part of the violent incident. Authorities have not publicly released additional details about the children, but their presence during the crime has added another layer of tragedy to an already devastating case.
Leon-Montoya had reportedly been attempting to end her relationship with Millan-Volcan before the attack occurred.
Several Charges Dropped Under Plea Agreement
When the case was first filed, prosecutors charged Millan-Volcan with multiple additional crimes, including kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated child endangerment.
As part of the plea agreement, those charges were dismissed in exchange for his guilty pleas to murder and attempted murder.
The plea deal eliminates the need for a trial while still ensuring that Millan-Volcan faces decades behind bars.
Sentencing Scheduled for July
Millan-Volcan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16. Prosecutors have stated that he faces a minimum prison sentence of approximately 38 years and 9 months.
The final sentence will be determined by the court, but the guilty plea means he will be held accountable for both the murder of Leon-Montoya and the attempted murder of Figueroa.
