Photo: Julian Martinez
A drive-by shooting the afternoon of June 8, 2020 in Porterville left one man dead. Deputies
arrived at the scene on the 500 block of East River in Porterville and found the victim suffering
from multiple gunshots.
Mark Duran
He passed away at a local hospital. The victim, 30-year old Arturo Vargas, was shot standing in front of his home.
In the couple days after the shooting, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Detectives served four search warrants and arrested three people in connection with the murder of Arturo Vargas.
Gabriel Marquez
22-year old Ricardo Villagomez was arrested for murder, conspiracy to commit a gang crime, gang enhancements, and a parole violation.
As of the time of this writing he is in custody at the South County Detection Facility in Porterville. 19-year old Anthony Llamas was arrested for assault with a deadly firearm, conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in street gangs, and other weapons charges.
Anthony Llamas
His bail is set at $205,000 and is also at the South County Detention Facility.
19-year old Gabriel Marquez was arrested for weapons charges. All parties, including Arturo are from Porterville.
Following numerous tips regarding the whereabouts of two more suspects wanted in connection with Arturo’s murder, detectives served two search warrants on June 11, 2020.
Ricardo Villagomez
On June 12, they arrested 21-year old Mark Duran at a Visalia hotel. He could be charged with murder, participating in street gangs, and criminal street gang conspiracy. He is in custody at the Bob
Wiley Detention Facility.
Police continue the search for an additional suspect, 20-year old Julian Martinez of Porterville.
Photos from the TCSO
