California Couple Sentenced After Luring Man’s Ex-Girlfriend From Bar on St. Patrick’s Day and Executing Her in Alley

OXNARD, CALIFORNIA — A California couple who lured a man’s ex-girlfriend out of a bar on St. Patrick’s Day and executed her in an alley have been sentenced to decades behind bars, prosecutors said.

According to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, 34-year-old Margarita Jimenez was sentenced to 80 years to life in prison, while her boyfriend, 38-year-old Jorge Garfias, received 25 years to life for the first-degree murder of 35-year-old Yanelly Vargas, a mother of five.

The pair were convicted last month for the March 17, 2024 killing, which prosecutors described as “cold, jealous, and premeditated.”

Deadly Confrontation Began at Oxnard Nightclub

Police say the tragedy began when Garfias and Jimenez drove to a nightclub in Oxnard, about 60 miles west of Los Angeles, after Garfias received a phone call from Vargas — his ex-girlfriend.

Jealous and angry, Jimenez confronted Garfias about the call and told the court she was “tired of the drama.”

“I felt anger, I felt betrayed, I felt lied to,” Jimenez testified during the trial.

Once at the nightclub, the couple lured Vargas to their truck through text messages. They then drove her to an alley in an industrial area, where the confrontation turned violent.

Prosecutors said Vargas was beaten and strangled, before Jimenez shot her in the chest at close range. Surveillance video captured Jimenez chasing Vargas down and pulling the trigger, while Garfias sat behind the wheel.

“You Stole Yanelly’s Life From Us” — Family Confronts Killers

At Tuesday’s sentencing, Vargas’ family delivered emotional statements describing their grief and anger.

“You stole Yanelly’s life from us,” said her sister Sonia Correa. “You took a mother, friend, sister and woman of strength and compassion, leaving a void that will never be filled.”

Her daughter, Citlali Correa, told the court, “She was the one who gave me life, and yet she was taken away far too soon.”

Her mother, Irene Sandoval, said through tears, “I lost someone truly special. I lost my everything.”

Jimenez tearfully told the judge she had “no excuse” and prays for the victim’s children every day, but Judge Catherine Voelker quickly reminded her of the devastation she caused.

“You get to talk to your children every day,” the judge said. “You stole that from Ms. Vargas.”

Investigation Revealed Evidence of Brutal Attack

Investigators found a blood trail, a spent 9mm casing, and a blood-stained yellow rope near Vargas’ body. Acrylic nails recovered at the scene matched Jimenez.

Neighbors who heard shouting called 911, and dispatchers recorded the fatal gunshot. Police discovered Vargas dead at the scene with both gunshot wounds and signs of strangulation.

Both Jimenez and Garfias were arrested two weeks later and later convicted of first-degree murder.

The case has left the Oxnard community reeling, as family members remember Vargas as a loving mother and devoted friend. Her murder, prosecutors said, was fueled by jealousy and rage.

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