Police have confirmed that a Utah mother who owned and operated a successful med spa was killed by her estranged husband on Friday, April 17, in an apparent murder-suicide that unfolded just one day after she formally filed for a divorce.
Lindha Paola Zerpa Lara is being mourned in Salt Lake City, where she was considered an active member of the local Venezuelan community, KSL reported.
The successful entrepreneur, 43, and trained esthetician owned and operated her own med spa, which she opened in 2022 after immigrating to the U.S. eight years ago. She was also the founder and CEO of the beauty and spa brand Pao Glow Beauty.
Paola was identified by her family, who spoke to KSL.
According to court documents discovered by the station, Paola legally filed a petition for divorce on Thursday, April 16.
Police have not released the names of the two people, claiming additional family members still need to be notified.
Investigators did, however, reveal blunt force trauma likely killed the female victim. The male then died by suicide.
Cops conducting a welfare check on Paola found both bodies just after 7:15 p.m. at her residence in Herriman.
Family friends Patricia Quinonez and Fabian Rapalino told KSL Paola’s mother has been working with police to determine what happened.
“She was always a bright light for her mom,” Quinonez said. “A person that was always trying to do the best for their community, the Venezuelan community.”
They told the station Paola and her estranged husband appeared to have a civil relationship and maintained separate residences. Both shared custody of their 10-year-old child, they added, noting the child was nowhere near the murder-suicide when it happened.
“Grandma started getting concerned that she was not getting any phone calls or text messages,” Quinonez explained. In time, friends called the police to check in on her.
Paola, the friends said, was a co-founder of We All Must Shine, a support organization for people going through cancer.
The med spa she opened actually burned down two months ago, and she was documenting the rebuilding process on social media.
Her friends said they hope Paola’s story inspires other women who are in crisis.
“Start talking about it,” Rapalino urged. “To your friends, to your families. Don’t be quiet. Seek assistance.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
