Oxnard Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2009 Murder
VENTURA, California – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Jonathan Gallegos (DOB 3/23/1991), of Oxnard, was sentenced by Judge Bruce Young to 16 years to life in prison for the January 17, 2009, killing of Alfredo Vargas, also of Oxnard. On March 27, 2018, Gallegos pled guilty to the second-degree murder of Mr. Vargas, using a knife to commit the murder, and committing the murder for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
On the night of January 17, 2009, Gallegos and a group of fellow gang members armed themselves with knives and guns and attacked guests at a party they believed to be thrown by a rival gang in Oxnard. In fact, the party was for a child’s first birthday. Undeterred by the presence of children, Gallegos and his cohorts attacked the adult party-goers and stabbed multiple victims, including Mr. Vargas, who died from his wounds. In 2013, after a lengthy investigation by the Oxnard Police Department, Gallegos and fellow gang-members were arrested and charged for their roles in the attack. Gallegos, who was 17 years old at the time of the attack, was prosecuted as an adult due to the severity of his crimes. In 2017, Gallegos was granted a hearing to have his case returned to juvenile court. At the hearing a judge considered Gallegos’ request and denied it. Two defendants still await trial.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.
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