A Pennsylvania man, 49-year-old Benjamin Gual, has been charged with homicide after allegedly stabbing his girlfriend, Carmen Martinez-Silva, 50, to death in what authorities describe as a brutal attack over her haircut.

According to court documents reviewed by PennLive, Martinez-Silva’s daughter informed police that Gual became enraged when her mother cut her hair—a change he had previously threatened her over. In fear, Martinez-Silva sought shelter at her daughter’s home before the tragic incident unfolded.

Tragic events lead to deadly confrontation

The probable cause affidavit reveals that after spending a night at her daughter’s home, Martinez-Silva traveled to her brother’s residence, arranging for a friend to inform Gual that she was ending their relationship. Gual, however, reportedly began searching for her, eventually locating her at her brother’s home.

When Gual arrived, Martinez-Silva’s brother initially told him she wasn’t there, but Gual returned shortly thereafter and, in a violent outburst, attacked the brother with a knife. Martinez-Silva intervened, attempting to shield her brother, only to become the primary target of Gual’s assault. Police later found Martinez-Silva dead at the scene, while her brother sustained multiple stab wounds. Two bystanders who tried to intervene narrowly escaped injury, court documents indicate.

Gual was detained at scene

When officers arrived, they discovered Gual sitting in his car, still holding the blood-stained knife used in the attack. Authorities have since charged him with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. He remains in custody at Lancaster County Jail without bail, pending further legal action.

In the wake of Martinez-Silva’s tragic death, her family has established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for her funeral. “The family is devastated by this loss. We would’ve never imagined a tragedy like this would happen to our beloved Carmen,” reads part of the fundraiser’s message. “We know this time is hard for a lot of us, but we are please asking if you feel in your heart to donate anything that will help the family to be able to put her to rest as she deserves.” The community continues to grieve as Martinez-Silva’s family seeks justice and closure following this unimaginable loss.