Oxnard Couple Charged with Murdering Boyfriend’s Former Girlfriend

By Redaccion
[email protected]

District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Margarita Jimenez (DOB 02/03/91), and Jorge Alberto Garfias (DOB 08/31/87), both from Oxnard, have been charged with the kidnapping and murder of Yanelly Vargas. They also face numerous special allegations and enhancements, including Jimenez being alleged to have personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, and Garfias taking advantage of a position of trust and confidence to commit the offense.

On March 17, 2024, at approximately 11:53 p.m., officers with the Oxnard Police Department responded to an alleged fight between a man and woman outside a bar. During the 911 call, a gunshot was heard. When officers arrived, they found Ms. Vargas unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

After allegedly tricking Ms. Vargas to coming outside the bar, Garfias and Jimenez emerged from a truck and are accused of beating Ms. Vargas and forcing her into their vehicle. Ms. Vargas exited the truck approximately 15 minutes later, and Jimenez is accused of following her and shooting her. Jimenez and Garfias then fled in the truck. The entire incident was captured on surveillance video. Jimenez and Garfias were arrested on April 3, 2024.

Senior Deputy District Attorney John Barrick, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Homicides Unit, is prosecuting the case.

The continued arraignment for Jimenez and Garfias is scheduled for May 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Both remain in custody with no bail.

Case: 2024008866

Co-defendant Information:
Margarita Jimenez (DOB 02/03/91)
Oxnard

Jorge Alberto Garfias (DOB 08/31/87)
Oxnard

Charged with:

• PC 187(a) – Murder
• PC 207(a) – Kidnapping

Special Allegations:

• PC 190.2(a)(17)(B) – Murder while engaged in kidnapping (Both)
• PC 12022.53(d) – Personal and intentional discharge of a firearm (Jimenez)
• PC 667S2 – Prior strike (Jimenez)
• PC 1170(h)(3) – Prior serious and violent felony conviction (Jimenez)
• PC 667(a)(1) – Serious felony prior (Jimenez)
• CRC 4.421(a)(1) – Crime involved great violence (Both)
• CRC 4.421(a)(2) – Defendant was armed with and used a weapon (Jimenez)
• CRC 4.421(a)(11) – Defendant took advantage of a position of trust and authority (Garfias)
• CRC 4.421(b)(1) – Defendant engaged in violent conduct that indicates a serious danger to society (Jimenez)
• CRC 4.421(b)(2) – Defendant’s prior convictions are numerous and of increasing seriousness (Jimenez)
• CRC 4.421(b)(3) – Defendant has served a prior term in prison or county jail (Jimenez)