Oxnard, CA – A California couple has received lengthy prison sentences for the murder of a woman they lured from a bar. Margarita Jimenez, 34, was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison. Jorge Garfias, 38, received a sentence of 25 years to life.
The victims, Jimenez and Garfias were convicted of first-degree murder last month. The victim, Yanelly Vargas, was shot and killed on March 17 after a dispute that escalated following a telephone call to Garfias from Vargas.
Police responded to the nightclub shortly before midnight to reports of a fight. Gunshots were heard as officers arrived at the scene, where they discovered Vargas suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to the hospital where she later died.
During the sentencing on Tuesday, family members provided victim impact statements about Vargas. Her loved one, Sonia Correa, expressed grief over the loss. Vargas was a mother of five who enjoyed cooking with family.
Jimenez apologized during the hearing, stating she had no excuse for her actions and shows remorse for the victim’s children. Judge Catherine Voelker admonished Jimenez, stating that she had stolen the opportunity for Vargas to engage with her children.
Garfias did not pull the trigger but was considered to share responsibility for Vargas’s death. The judge indicated that he played an essential role in the crime.
The fatal events unfolded after Garfias received a call from Vargas while he was with Jimenez. Jimenez confronted Garfias about the call, leading to anger and jealousy.
The couple drove Vargas to an alley where they physically assaulted her. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Jimenez exited the vehicle, chased Vargas, and shot her.
Neighbors called 911 after witnessing the altercation and hearing gunfire. Officers found Vargas dead at the scene with multiple injuries and evidence of a struggle.
After a thorough investigation, law enforcement arrested Jimenez and Garfias two weeks later. Various pieces of evidence were collected from the scene, linking the couple to the crime.