A couple has been found guilty in connection with the death of a woman in Oxnard, California. According to the Ventura County District Attorney, Jorge Garfias, 38, contacted his ex-girlfriend Yanelly Vargas, 30, by text message in March 2024 and lured her out from a bar.
Prosecutors stated that Garfias and his current girlfriend, Margarita Jimenez, 34, took Vargas to an alley where they assaulted her. When Vargas attempted to flee, both Garfias and Jimenez pursued her using Garfias’ truck.
Authorities reported that Jimenez exited the vehicle and chased Vargas on foot while armed with a gun. “Jimenez was seen leaving the truck and running after Vargas with a gun,” officials said. “Officials didn’t specify what led to the shooting.”
Investigators at the scene recovered shell casings, blood-stained rope, acrylic nails matching those worn by Jimenez at her arrest, and followed a blood trail. An autopsy determined that Vargas died from a gunshot wound and also had blunt force injuries as well as signs of strangulation.
Both suspects were arrested in April 2024. The district attorney’s office confirmed: “Jimenez was convicted on charges of murder and personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.” They added: “Garfias was convicted on a murder charge.”
Oxnard is located approximately 60 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
