Harrisburg Man Charged in Rape and Homicide of Woman

Police say Rafael Ivan Duran Malave fled to Puerto Rico after allegedly killing Amanda Makor in their shared apartment

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled piece of paper with a faint bloodstain, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative visual representation of the crime.The harsh flash photography of a crime scene evidence item reflects the somber, investigative nature of this tragic case.Harrisburg Today

A 36-year-old Harrisburg man has been charged with the rape and murder of a 24-year-old woman, Amanda Makor, who was found dead in their shared apartment in Susquehanna Township. Investigators say Duran Malave fled to Puerto Rico after allegedly killing Makor, who was found asphyxiated with evidence of sexual assault. Neighbors described the area as generally safe and were shocked by the incident.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women, particularly in domestic settings. It also raises questions about how perpetrators of violent crimes can evade law enforcement by fleeing to other jurisdictions.

The details

According to court documents, Makor and Duran Malave arrived at their shared apartment around 5:30 p.m. on March 28. Someone called the police around 11 a.m. on March 30, and Makor was found dead. An autopsy revealed she died by asphyxiation, with evidence of strangulation, chest compressions, and sexual assault. Security camera footage showed Duran Malave driving Makor's car before and after her death, and he was also seen buying tickets to Puerto Rico at the Harrisburg International Airport on March 28.

  • On March 28, Makor and Duran Malave arrived at their shared apartment around 5:30 p.m.
  • On March 30, someone called the police around 11 a.m. and Makor was found dead.
  • On March 28, Duran Malave was seen buying tickets to Puerto Rico at the Harrisburg International Airport.

The players

Rafael Ivan Duran Malave

A 36-year-old Harrisburg man who has been charged with the rape and murder of Amanda Makor, his 24-year-old roommate.

Amanda Makor

A 24-year-old woman who was found dead in the apartment she shared with Duran Malave. She was a proud honors graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and Penn State Harrisburg, where she earned a marketing degree.

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What they’re saying

“You cannot do that human being. When you do something that is not good, you should immediately report yourself to the authorities.”

— Abbo Adamou, Neighbor

“Though her time here was brief, she lived with a fullness, a fire, and a faith that most people spent a lifetime chasing.”

— Steve Makor, Amanda Makor's uncle

What’s next

Susquehanna Township police said they have no new information beyond what has already been released, and there is no word yet on an arrest for Duran Malave, who remains wanted.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for better prevention and response to domestic violence, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects who flee across state or international borders. It also highlights the devastating impact of such crimes on victims, their families, and the broader community.