FBI Captures Accused Killer Wanted in Deadly NJ Bar Stabbing

A man wanted in connection with a fatal stabbing outside of a bar in North Jersey in 2024 has been taken off the streets.

The FBI field office in Newark says 37-year-old Ricky Vargas is now in custody.

Deadly 2024 Stabbing

According to federal authorities, Vargas, a known member of the Latin Kings gang, was wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man outside of a bar in Garfield, Bergen County, during the early morning hours of February 4th, 2024. The victim, 31-year-old Richard Franceschi of Hawthorne, was stabbed to death.

The following day, Vargas was charged with first-degree murder, causing serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of a crime, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and possession of a weapon, and a state warrant was issued for his arrest.

On February 7th, 2024, a federal arrest warrant was issued for his arrest after he was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

• READ MORE: 6 Cumberland County Murders in NJ Still Unsolved

Located in Texas

According to Daily Voice, detectives with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office learned that Vargas was hiding in a home in Longview, TX. Within hours, he was taken into custody by the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Dallas and Longview Police Departments.

Four others involved in the altercation were arrested shortly after the incident.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com