A Ventura County jury has found a man and woman guilty of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend after luring her from a nightclub on St. Patrick’s Day last year.
Victim Lured From Bar
According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Margarita Jimenez, 34, and Jorge Garfias, 38, were convicted in the killing of Yanelly Vargas, 35, on March 17, 2024. Vargas, who was out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at a nightclub in Oxnard, called Garfias that night.
Jimenez, who was with Garfias at the time, overheard the call and became enraged, believing the former couple was rekindling their relationship. “I felt anger, I felt betrayed, I felt lied to,” Jimenez testified during trial, explaining that she was “tired of the drama.”
The Attack in an Alley
Garfias and Jimenez drove to the nightclub and lured Vargas into his truck through text messages. They then drove her to an industrial alley, where an argument turned violent. Prosecutors said Vargas was beaten and managed to escape the truck, but the couple followed her.
Surveillance footage captured Jimenez chasing Vargas down before shooting her in the chest. She attempted to fire again, but the gun jammed. Neighbors who saw the confrontation called 911, and dispatchers reported hearing the gunshot over the call.
Police arrived quickly and found Vargas dead. In addition to the fatal gunshot wound, she had also suffered blunt force trauma and strangulation injuries.
Evidence Linking the Suspects
Investigators recovered a spent 9 mm shell casing, a blood trail, acrylic nails belonging to Jimenez, and a blood-stained yellow rope near the victim’s body. This physical evidence tied Jimenez directly to the killing.
Arrest and Convictions
Both suspects were arrested about two weeks after the murder. On Friday, a jury convicted Jimenez and Garfias of first-degree murder. The case now moves into a trial phase on special allegations and aggravating factors, which begins Monday and could influence sentencing outcomes.
A Planned and Brutal Crime
Prosecutors described the killing as a calculated act of jealousy and rage. What began as a confrontation over a phone call ended in the deliberate stalking and execution of Vargas.
The convictions bring a measure of closure to Vargas’ family, though the trial on sentencing details is still ahead.
