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The Aurora Police News Blog was created in 2016 as a new way to share news and information from the Aurora Police Department with the community we serve. It is maintained by the staff of the Public Information Officer.
Public Information Officer Staff:
Sergeant Faith Goodrich - Unit Supervisor
Agent Matthew Longshore - Public Information Officer
Joe Moylan - Public Information Officer
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DISCLAIMER: Information is subject to change as case investigations proceed. Individuals arrested on the basis of probable cause have not been charged. All arrestees are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
(November 16) On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 9:25 p.m., District 2 Patrol Officers responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting. The 18-year-old victim later died at a local hospital.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes/Homicide Unit is announcing the arrest of Abel Vargas (DOB: 07/01/2003). Vargas was arrested and has been charged with Colorado Revised Statute 18-3-104 Manslaughter in relation to this homicide. The booking photo for Vargas has been provided at the bottom of this news release.
Information learned from this homicide is that Vargas and the victim were known to each other. Both gathered at the location on East 33rd Place when Vargas produced an AR-15 rifle to show the victim. Vargas was handling the weapon when he then pulled the trigger, shooting the victim.
This homicide is being prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and any additional media inquiries should be directed there.
Agent Matthew Longshore
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
.jpg "Vargas, Abel")
Information previously released
(November 15) One dead following a shooting in the area of the 13000 block of East 33rd Place.
On November 14, 2021, at 09:25 p.m., the Aurora Police Department responded to the 13000 block of East 33rd Place on reports of a shooting.
Once officers arrived on the scene, they learned the victim’s friend had transported the 18-year-old male to a local hospital. A short time later, officers were notified about an adult male brought into the hospital and suffering from a gunshot wound. Tragically, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
The Aurora Police Major Crimes Homicide Unit detectives responded and are conducting the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, the facts and circumstances that led up to the death, to include suspect information, are still being determined.
The Adams County Coroner’s Office will release the deceased's identity after the victim has been positively identified and next-of-kin notified.
Anyone with information that has not yet spoken to police is asked to reach out to the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867, where tipsters can remain anonymous and still be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.
Francisco Saucedo
Public Information Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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