The Homicide Report

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The Homicide Report

Tito Vargas, 35

March 31, 2010, 9:43 a.m.

Tito Vargas, a 35-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, March 26, in the 4000 block of Hubbard Street in East Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Unknown assailants pulled up alongside Vargas' car about 3:52 p.m. and shot him, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies said.

Vargas died at the scene at 4:15 p.m., according to coroner's records.

-- Jill Leovy

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56 reader comments

"He made his own choices but he was still a man of God and church."

How can a person be a "ladie's man" and a gangster yet be a "man of God and church?"

"If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin," 1 John 1:6-7.

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,"
Romans 10:9-13

— Oso March 3, 2011 at 5:30 a.m.

Hey Proudheart-

I was a jock; in fact, I played Division 1 ball. Did you? Doubt it. Most "real men" don't talk about it, don't have to tell people how bad they are, they just are. It's the cowards in society that have to join gangs for protection and use guns to settle things. Tell me, what "real man" who isn't "weak" needs to join a gang for protection or use a gun to fight? You got it all backwards. But go on....keep proving your "manhood"...meanwhile, us "real men" will continue to hold down jobs, get educated, support families, and contribute to society while you and your weak homies end up dead or in jail. Bravo, tough guy.

"He was the dork that never fit in with the "in crowd". To weak to be a homie and to sensitive to be a jock."

Proudheart=To ignorant to know better.

— Chris April 25, 2010 at 9:26 p.m.

You lose someone you love. No matter what they did you;re going to love them, or are you not?? You can try and change them, but they are who they are and you love them no matter what. We're showing our love here and will defend him always.
No matter what he did HE IS STILL LOVED and WE KNOW he is in a BETTER PLACE.
You can say whatever you want but we all know it's true-you don't just stop loving someone because of the choices they make or the things they do.
What if it happened to you or someone you love..?
You all who ave never lived in east LA have no idea what its like when this is so common. To be right in the fray. It's everywhere and we can't just up and leave whenever we feel like it otherwise no one would live here. Drugs, gangs violence, poverty, etc. It's all here but the reality of it is we are all still human and part of society. We're not all bad people, we're just adjusting to what we've been born into and we can't all grow up and get out of here and change so easily. So you can say what you want but until you know what we all know and have gone through what we have, you have no insight and your ridiculous judgmental comments on the life of another are pointless and unnecessary.
And if you are the kind of person who likes to hurt another mans mourning family, what kind of person are you to abuse us? What kid of people HARASS others and interject their unwanted opinions incessantly??
Think about that, all of you who talk all your trash. Make your opinion known, fine but don't abuse and belittle us or BLAME anyone.

R.I.P Tito, Love always

— Mark April 13, 2010 at 8:09 a.m.

No matter what Tito did, we know he was a good man, right Family and friends? And we love him dearly.

We don't deny that he did not make the best decisions in life (although it should be noted he was not a killer or terrorist of any sort).
You can make assumptions as to what he did or why he was killed but don't think you know him enough to cast judgment.

The truth is the truth, if any of you trash talkers ever got to know him, you'd see he wasn't a gang banger, he didnt talk like one or act like one.
He was just a friendly guy who didn't deserve to be killed.

Tito,
You were the best I'm proud to have been able to know you and understand the person you really were. You were always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it and you drew the respect of many people because of it.
We'll always love you and you'll always be in our hearts.

— Mark April 10, 2010 at 10:46 p.m.

Ivww, it doesn’t matter that the deceased accepted the lord prior to his death. The important thing is did he apologize to god for wasting his life? Did he apologize to his many victims? Did he apologize to the taxpayers for the money we wasted on him? As for comments that the family will read? This isn’t the obituaries, and if they don’t want to know the truth about what the deceased truly was, that is their prerogative. I will continue to speak out against these gangsters for the damage they have inflicted upon society.

MTV; I don’t know about the people you associate with, but a majority of law abiding people do not have a dark side to them in that they are violent or have been to prison for a violent crime.

Sheba, you’re right I don’t understand the socially dysfunctional environment these gang related crimes take place in. But I would rather live in a boring neighborhood where nothing really happens than the neighborhood you live in where violence is the norm. By the way, since huge amounts have tax payer money is spent on these homicide investigations, as well the deceased having been in prison, everyone has a right to comment on his choices in life.

— syscom3 April 10, 2010 at 8:58 a.m.

Tito deserved a beautiful service. No matter what he did in his past, he was a different man now. But nobody wants to talk about his addiction. I wish we could of had a intervention, I think he would have listened. When he was in County, he told me the methadone withdrawls were so bad that every part of his body hurt so bad that he could not even touch himself. I have seen so many ex bangers turn into veterano addicts. They are too strung out to bang any more and only one thing is on their mind, getting well enough to make it through another day. This is when they need help the most. Tito was a honest man of his word. He was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I only hurt because it is too late now to help him. God Bless You

— Lil smiley April 10, 2010 at 12:01 a.m.

syscom. You're barking up the wrong tree. You didn't know him (or maybe you did) or maybe you had something to do with it? You seemed so concerned. We will talk about him however we feel like talking about him. Bad or good. We don't believe that he is in purgatory. He accepted the Lord and had a chance to ask for forgivness before he died. You seem to know a little much and have some anger against him. Do you have anything better to do than sit here and terrorize a family in mourning. Talk about morals? I think it is more disgusting that you are sitting here judging someone you don't even know and telling us where he is going and who needs to appologize. Get off your high horse and worry about your own family. You are not God and don't know the circumstances. Maybe at your funeral someone will talk about all your bad traits which by the looks of it seems like you have a lot. Maybe when you go everyone will remember all the bad things about you and post them about you. Maybe when you die someone will antaganize your family about your death and continue to hurt your family. You are a sick person. Just to let you know the funeral was beautiful. He has an amazing family and we are at peace with this. Go bother another family with your nonsense you sick disgusting person. How dare you say these things while we are still in mourning. MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SICK SOUL. We will defend him to the end. It's up to God to judge no anyone else. Quit posting on this board and let him rest in peace. WE DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ELSE OUT OF YOUR VILE MOUTH.

— iwvw April 9, 2010 at 1:54 p.m.

Syscom3

I want everybody who reads your comments to know that you dont even live in our urban areas where these type of senseless crimes take place. Syscom3 comes on the homicide report to read and comment about things syscom3 could never understand or relate to. Please go back to your sheltered little life and stop harassing the dead who you did not know and stop adding to the hurt of the loved one's who are left behind, because YOU are so BORED and UNHAPPY with your sheltered life. You are going by what your LITTLE mind thinks, While most of the people who come to this site ARE impacted because tragedy happened to their loved ones, or neighbor or in their city. PLEASE DON'T EXPOOUND ON THINGS THAT HAVE NOT IMPACTED YOU, BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE A CLUE.

— Sheba April 9, 2010 at 12:12 p.m.

You should really come correct before you start judging people. No one ever said that his family got him out of anything that he did. What do you mean "I wonder where all these people are" We are here bonded together as a tight knit family. We are not gangsters or thugs nor do we live that type of lifestyle. Why would we sit here and comment on his death? We do not focus on what happend we focus on the memories and celebrate his life. We believe in God and have faith that he is now home with the Lord. We do have family members that hold positions in high places. Please don't forget that this is an open case and disclosing any type of information could potentially ruin closing it. "Where is the outcry?" What outcry? I wish I understood what it is you are trying to say. Instead of you rambling on about something you have no solid information on. We focus on the things we know and love about it. Not the negative things. We aren't perfect and the things that he did are between him and God. Not for you or anyone else to judge. Let him who has no sin cast his first stone. Tito comes from an outstanding family. We cannot make anyone do what we want them to do. He was a pretty talented guy and I am glad I had him in my life even if it was for a short period of time. LOVE YOU TITO.

— IwVw April 8, 2010 at 10:28 p.m.

Tito was loved! He was a ladies man and the cool guy for sure. He came from a good family. He is related to many people with positions in authority. Policemen, detectives, Doctors, and entrepreneurs. He is related to some people in high places. We all wanted the best for him but sometimes you can't make decisions for people. Just rest assure that we will bring justice to whoever did this. Like I said he was related to people in high places and those people will make sure justice is served. He got caught up. But he has a family that loves him that backs him up. We are not thugs or live that lifestyle. We are outstanding citizens and it is a shame they took a piece of our family. Tito went to church when he was younger and believe in God. They may have taken him away temporarily but we will see him again. We rest assure that into your hands God we commit his spirit. The people that did this may be found... they may not. But they will pay eternally for this. Tito is not suffering anymore. The people that did this to him will suffer this lifetime and all eternity. TO THE PEOPLE THAT DID THIS: May GOD have mercy on your soul.

— IwVw April 7, 2010 at 6:18 p.m.

Tito was a charming, intelligent and kind man.I thank God for the honer of having known him and even more of making him my brother. He was a decent and loving man and it always touched my heart to see him with his children. I know he's in a better place because he had a beautiful soul and wonderful heart.He was great with my children and he was such a good guy because he could communicate with anyone no matter who you were.He spoke excellent Spanish, Spanglish and English. He could charm anyone .
This no good thug who murdered my brother will in one way or another be bright to justice because no one escapes the watchful eye of our Lord and Savior.
God bless you my wonderful brother. I love you so much.I know I will always see you in my heart and i will never forget your goodness. Thank you for coming to me whenever you needed me. I am truly honored.

— sister April 4, 2010 at 1:56 p.m.

L SPARKS: I plan on printing this to read during viewing.

Little Tito,

You were more than just a 35 year old Latino, you were your mom and dads oldest son, you were a brother, father, grandson, godson, nephew, cousin and friend. As one of your oldest cousins, I remember you coming home from the hospital when you were born. I was over protective of you. When you started Kindergarten, I made sure you got to the door of your classroom safely. I was there when you learned to ride a bike, to rollerskate, swim lessons, when you got baptised at church, when your first child was born. I dont know where we lost contact and how I wish I could have protected you as I did when you were little. They may have taken you away from us but the memories we hold in our hearts can never be taken away! Our family has never experienced a death, we are trying to be strong for your mom, but it does hurt! Rest in the arms of your heavenly father! His love with get us through and knowing we will see you again brings us all Hope! We love you Little Tito!

— Cousins Always April 3, 2010 at 3:23 p.m.

I had some good memories with you. You taught me how to draw and play basketball. I remember how much I looked up to you when I was younger. We would sit there and talk about Michael Jordan and talked about what we would name our own basketball shoe if we had our own. When I told you I would name my shoe "Nike Air Slammer" you thought it was pretty cool until you found my shoe box of "Nike Air slammers" that I already owned. hahah I guess maybe I just wanted you to think I was cool so I acted like I made it up. I also remember watching you play bball. I asked you how you got so good and you told me it was more that just playing bball with your friends. The fact that you knew your friends so good you were able to tell what move they were going to do next. That made me want to get to know my friends more. Because of you I became a better bball player and a better friend. I guess you never really remember how precious the small things in life are. Thank you for teaching me how to draw, be a better basketball player, and how to be a better friend. I am really going to miss you. I am so sad that I didn't get to see you one last time. I decided I am going to draw a peice just for you. With all my heart and tears it will be dedicated in your honor. I love you Tito. Gone to soon.

— brkn April 2, 2010 at 12:52 p.m.

WOW,I CANT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE HOW I FELT WHEN I HEARD THE BAD NEWS,JAMES & STEVE THIS MESSAGE IS FOR YOU.IM AM SO SORRY FOR WHAT HAS HAPPENED.YOU KNOW TITO WAS MY ROLE DOG,HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND FOR MANY YEARS,WE WENT THROUGH ALOT OF GOOD & BAD TIMES TOGETHER,WE ALWAYS HAD EACH OTHERS BACK.YOU GUYS BE STRONG FOR YOUR MOM & DAD,YOU GUYS GOTTA BE EXAMPLES TO HIS KIDS NOW.I WISH I COULD BE WITH YOU GUYS ON THE BLOCK,BUT YOU KNOW I CANT.JAMES,YOU THE BIG BROTHER NOW,I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE WELL AND PLEASE STOP BANGING DOGG THAT IS PLAYED OUT,IT WAS COOL BACK IN THE CHS DAYS BUT EVERYONE GOTTA GROW UP SOMETIME.IM DOING GOOD OUTA STATE AND I ALWAYS THINK ABOUT YOU GUYS,NO LIE,HUG YOUR MOM FOR ME AND STAY OUTTA TROUBLE PLEASE PLEASE.DAM TITO,IM REALLY GONA MISS HIM NOW.I GOT MAD LOVE FOR U DRIFTS & LIL CHIVO.

— L SPARKS April 1, 2010 at 11:59 p.m.