16 year-old shot and killed at house party in Highland, detectives need help identifying suspect

HIGHLAND, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect or suspects wanted in the shooting murder of a 16-year-old at a house party in Highland.

It happened on Friday, March 15, 2019, in the 7500 block of Weaver Street in Highland.

At about 11:19 pm, Highland deputies responded to reports of shots fired at a house party and when deputies arrived they found a large party at the location, officials said.

According to a news release, deputies were also advised that three persons attending the party were injured by gunfire and were taken from the residence by persons at the party.

16-year-old Jacob Vargas was being transported by a private party when they flagged down an ambulance that transported him to a local area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The second victim, a 22-year old male was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for a non-life threatening injury. The third victim, a female was treated for a graze wound and later released from the hospital.

“Through investigation, detectives learned over 200 persons were attending the party when a verbal argument between several subjects was heard prior to shots being fired. Investigators learned the party had been advertised on social media, causing a large crowd to gather at the location,” stated the release.

Detectives are asking for assistance in identifying the suspect(s) involved in this shooting.  Anyone who was at the party and left prior to the deputies’ arrival is asked to contact the Specialized Investigations Division, Detective Floyd Stone at (909) 387-3589 or Sheriff’s dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at (800)78-CRIME (27463) or www.wetip.com.