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A Utah mother who owned and operated a successful medical spa was killed by her estranged husband on Friday, April 17, in an apparent murder-suicide the day after she officially filed for divorce, police confirmed.
Lynda Paula Zelpa Lara She is being mourned in Salt Lake City, where she was considered an active member of the local Venezuelan community. KSL reports.
The 43-year-old successful entrepreneur and trained esthetician owns and operates her own medical spa, which she opened in 2022 after immigrating to the United States eight years ago. She is also the founder and CEO of beauty and spa brand Pao Glow Beauty.
Paula’s family confirmed her identity in an interview with KSL.
According to court documents discovered by the station, Paola legally filed for divorce on Thursday, April 16.
Police have not released the names of the two men, saying other family members still need to be notified.
Investigators did find, however, that blunt force trauma likely contributed to the death of the female victim. The man later committed suicide.
Around 7:15 p.m., police conducted a welfare check on Paula and discovered two bodies at her residence in Herriman.
family and friends Patricia Quinones and Fabian Laparino told KSL Paula’s mother has been cooperating with police to determine what happened.
“She’s always been a light to her mom,” Quinones said. “Someone who always tried to do what was best for their community, the Venezuelan community.”
They told the station that Paula and her estranged husband appeared to be in a civil relationship and lived separately. They added that the pair shared custody of the 10-year-old, noting that the child was far from a murder-suicide at the time of the incident.
“Grandma started getting concerned that she wasn’t getting any calls or texts,” Quinones explained. Friends then called the police to check on her.
Friends said Paula was a co-founder of We All Must Shine, a support organization for cancer patients.
The medical spa she opened actually burned down two months ago, and she’s documenting the rebuilding process on social media.
Her friends expressed hope that Paula’s story would inspire other women in crisis.
“Start talking about it,” Laparino urged. “To your friends, to your family. Don’t stay silent. Get help.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or considering suicide, please call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
