Man arrested in connection to death at Laredo park

Published: May. 26, 2023 at 12:07 PM CDT

LAREDO, Tx. (KGNS) - A man allegedly tied to a death investigation that took place last weekend has turned himself into authorities and is now facing charges.

Laredo Police arrested and charged Jovany Vargas, 24 with accident involving death.

The incident was reported on Saturday night at around 10 p.m. when Laredo Police received a call about a man who was found unresponsive at the intersection of Monterrey Ave. and Guerrero St.

First responders arrived and found a man identified as Rigoberto Santana, 26; meanwhile, another man identified as Maverick Alexander Martinez was near the area and had reportedly suffered an overdose.

The case was initially investigated as a homicide; however, Investigator Joe Baeza said it was revealed that Vargas accidentally struck Santana with his vehicle.

Based on evidence, Baeza said that all three individuals were together before it happened.

“The deceased victim, the overdose victim in the park and the person who was charged with accident involving death were all together,” said Baeza. “What had happened was that the condition that they were under may play a factor in this case, it is believed based on the preliminary autopsy findings was that the person was already on the ground at the time when the vehicle struck the victim.”

Baeza adds that Martinez remains in the hospital in critical condition, so authorities have not been able to question him about the incident.

Police say this is a fluid investigation and Vargas could face additional charges if the investigation reveals new evidence.

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