Location: 500 block of E. River in Porterville

Incident Date: 6/8/2020

Case Number: 20-07152

City: Porterville

Posted by: Media Relations

UPDATE: Third Suspect Arrested in Murder of Porterville Man

(6/12/20)

On Thursday, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office served two more search warrants in Porterville to try and find additional evidence associated with the murder of Arturo Vargas, who was killed on June 8th. Investigators followed up on numerous tips in relation to the whereabouts of Julian Martinez and Mark Duran. On Thursday night, Duran was taken into custody at a Visalia hotel. Detectives are still searching for Julian Martinez and ask anyone with information to please contact the Tulare County Sheriff's Office at 559-733-6218.

UPDATE: TCSO Detectives Arrest 3 Men for Porterville Murder, Still Searching for More

(6/10/20)

TCSO Homicide Detectives have arrested three people and are asking for the public’s help in finding two more, who are believed to be responsible for the shooting death of Arturo Vargas. Arturo was shot to death in front of his home on June 8th in the 500 Block of East River in Porterville.

Over the last two days, TCSO Detectives and the Porterville Police Department have served four search warrants in the Porterville area, searching for the suspects and evidence in this murder investigation.

During the service of the warrants, detectives arrested 22-year-old Ricardo Villagomez of Porterville for Murder, Conspiracy to commit a gang crime, gang enhancement and parole violation, 19-year-old Anthony Llamas of Porterville for weapons charges and 19-year-old Gabriel Marquez of Porterville on weapons charges.

Detectives are still searching for 21-year-old Mark Duran of Porterville and 20-year-old Julian Martinez of Porterville. Both are wanted for murder.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Miguel Franco and/or Sergeant Steve Sanchez at 559-733-6218

Just after 1 p.m. on June 8, 2020, TCSO Deputies were called to the 500 block of E. River in Porterville for a drive-by shooting.

When Deputies arrived, they found a man who had been shot multiple time. He was taken to a local hospital where he died.

TCSO Homicide Detectives took over the investigation. The victim has been identified as 30-year-old Arturo Vargas of Porterville. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 782-6850. You can also call 24 hours a day at (559) 733-6128 or anonymously, by accessing the TipNow page at tcso@tipnow.com.