A California couple has been convicted of murdering a woman in a brutal attack that began as a jealous confrontation on St. Patrick’s Day 2024. Prosecutors say the pair lured the man’s ex-girlfriend out of a nightclub, beat her, and then shot her dead in an alley.
Conviction in Ventura County
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Margarita Jimenez, 34, and Jorge Garfias, 38, were both found guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of Yanelly Vargas, 35.
The verdict follows a shocking case that revealed how jealousy and rage led to a deadly confrontation.
How the Deadly Plot Began
On March 17, 2024, Garfias was at home with Jimenez when he got a phone call from Vargas, his ex-girlfriend, who was celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at a nightclub in Oxnard, about 60 miles west of Los Angeles.
Jimenez overheard the call, realized it was Vargas, and later admitted she felt “betrayed” and “lied to.” She testified that she was tired of the “drama” and suspected Garfias and Vargas were rekindling their relationship.
Fueled by jealousy, the pair drove to the nightclub and convinced Vargas to meet Garfias at his truck.
The Attack in an Alley
Instead of reconciliation, Vargas was driven to an alley in an industrial area where an argument turned violent. Prosecutors said both suspects beat Vargas, and when she tried to escape, they pursued her in the truck.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moment Jimenez ran after Vargas, pulled out a gun, and shot her in the chest. She allegedly tried to fire again, but the weapon jammed.
Evidence Collected
Police responding to 911 calls from neighbors discovered Vargas dead at the scene. In addition to the fatal gunshot wound, she had signs of blunt force trauma and strangulation.
Detectives recovered critical evidence, including:
A spent 9mm shell casing
A blood trail
Acrylic nails linked to Jimenez
A blood-stained yellow rope near the victim
Both suspects were arrested about two weeks later.
Court Proceedings
The jury convicted Jimenez and Garfias of first-degree murder. Prosecutors also filed special allegations and aggravating factors, with a separate trial on those charges set to begin Monday.
What started as a jealous reaction spiraled into a deadly plot, leaving one woman dead and two people now facing decades in prison. The conviction of Jimenez and Garfias brings justice for Yanelly Vargas, whose life was tragically cut short by rage, betrayal, and violence.
