Ricky "angel" vargas
The Crime
Police responded to a stabbing outside JoJo’s Bar & Grill in Garfield, New Jersey at approximately 12:44 a.m. on February 4, 2024. Officers found 31-year-old Richard “Richie” Franceschi suffering from multiple stab wounds to the chest. He was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:29 a.m.
Remembering Richie Franceschi
On a GoFundMe page created after his death, loved ones remembered Richie as someone who always put his family first and “had love for all and empathy to those alike and not.” He leaves behind many people who deserve to see justice served for all involved in his murder.
Arrests in the Case
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with Franceschi’s murder:
- Jayson Rivera, 23, of East Stroudsburg, PA
- Bryant Sanchez, 26, of Paterson, NJ
- Erony Sanchez, 27, of Clifton, NJ
- Dante Moore, 33, of Passaic, NJ
The fifth suspect, Ricky “Angel” Vargas, remains at large. His charges include:
- First Degree Murder
- Causing Serious Bodily Injury
- Leaving the Scene of a Crime
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose
A federal arrest warrant was issued for Vargas on February 7, 2024, charging him with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He is a known member of the Latin Kings gang and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Suspect Information
Known Locations & Associations
- East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
- Winter Park, Florida
- Chicago, Illinois
- Arizona
- Puerto Rico
Physical Description & Identifiers
AKA: “Angel”
Race/Sex: Hispanic male
DOB: July 18, 1988
Height/Weight: 5’4”-5’5”, 200 lbs
Hair/Eyes: Brown/Brown
Tattoos: Multiple tattoos on hands, arms, wrists, and chest. Some more notable tattoos are “Royalty” in script on one of his hands and a lion head on his forearm
Other: Wears glasses, has facial hair, may use rideshare apps or mass transit, could reside in homeless shelters, no valid driver’s license
FBI Investigation and Reward
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading directly to the arrest and conviction of Ricky Vargas.
If you have any information, you can submit a tip anonymously:
Call your local FBI office: Find office
All information presented is based on publicly available sources, law enforcement reports, and media coverage. Individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to defame, harass, or accuse any person of a crime.