Gang member in jail for murder
Posted/updated on: May 13, 2026 at 3:49 pm
LONGVIEW — A wanted fugitive and known Latin Kings gang member was arrested in East Texas on May 7 for his alleged involvement of a 2024 murder in New Jersey. According to our news partner KETK, the FBI said , Ricky Vargas was wanted for allegedly stabbing a man to death outside of a bar in Garfield, New Jersey on Feb. 4, 2024.
A state warrant was issued for his arrest the next day, charging him with first degree murder, causing serious bodily injury, leaving the scene of a crime and two possession of a weapon charges.
On Feb. 7, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Vargas in the U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, Newark and New Jersey after additionally being charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
While searching for Vargas, the FBI was offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading up to his arrest. On May 7, Vargas was apprehended by FBI Dallas and FBI Newark in Longview.
