The person at the center of this case
Male victim (name not disclosed) stabbed outside a bar
Homicide · Open - Fugitive at Large
2 years waiting · since 2024
RICKY VARGAS
Justice for Male victim (name not disclosed) stabbed outside a bar — the trail went cold in 2024, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Ricky Vargas (alias 'Angel') is a known Latin Kings gang member with numerous tattoos on hands, arms, wrists, and chest; born July 18, 1988; 5'4" to 5'5", 200 pounds
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location
Lead #2Why did Vargas flee to multiple states? What are his specific connections to East Stroudsburg PA, Winter Park FL, Chicago IL, Arizona, and Puerto Rico?
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clue
Lead #3Vargas lacks a valid driver's license and may rely on ride-sharing apps and mass transit; he may be residing in homeless shelters—what transportation patterns could help locate him?
On February 4, 2024, a man was stabbed to death outside a bar in Garfield, New Jersey during the early morning hours. Ricky Vargas, a Latin Kings gang member, is wanted for the murder and has fled, evading arrest despite federal charges filed on February 7, 2024. Vargas has known ties to multiple states and may be using ride-sharing apps or public transit to avoid detection; a $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Case
#935
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark Field Office; Bergen County, New Jersey authorities
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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evidence
Lead #4What evidence connects Vargas to the stabbing weapon and the victim? Were there witnesses at the bar who can provide details?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - First Degree Murder, Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Leaving the Scene of a Crime, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Possession of a Weapon Caution: Ricky Vargas, a known member of the Latin Kings gang, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man outside of a bar in Garfield, New Jersey, during the early morning hours of February 4, 2024. The victim was stabbed to death.
On February 5, 2024, Vargas was charged with First Degree Murder, Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Leaving the Scene of a Crime, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a Weapon in the Garfield City Municipal Court in Bergen County, New Jersey, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest. On February 7, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Vargas in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Remarks: Vargas has ties to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Winter Park, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Arizona; and Puerto Rico. He does not have a valid driver's license and may use ride sharing apps and mass transit to travel.
He may reside in homeless shelters.
Timeline of Events
👤
2024-02-04
early morningStabbing murder outside bar
Male victim stabbed to death outside a bar in Garfield, New Jersey during early morning hours
🕵️
2024-02-05
State charges filed
Ricky Vargas charged with First Degree Murder, Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Leaving the Scene of a Crime, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, and Possession of a Weapon in Garfield City Municipal Court
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2024-02-07
Federal arrest warrant issued
Federal arrest warrant issued in United States District Court, District of New Jersey for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 4, 2024 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:September 6, 2026
Up to $15,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:February 4, 2024 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:September 6, 2026
Up to $15,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case