Unsolved – Frankie Vargas, Homicide Victim

MODESTO – Investigators need the public’s help in gathering tips for the unsolved case of Frankie Vargas, who was shot and killed in 2013.

It was July 29th, and 24 year old Frankie Vargas had just left work at Sconza Candy in Oakdale. Vargas was a head candy maker, “The Toffee Nut King” as he was known.

“He would change out of his work shoes because he would always have candy stuck to the bottom,” said his mother, Kelly Vargas. “He would put sneakers on because he didn’t want to get candy in his car.”

Frankie drove a 2006 Dodge Charger. “He was so proud of that car, he worked so hard for it.” His mother continued. Frankie had a passion for auto mechanics. He was always helping others work on their vehicles. “He was the best boy you could ever ask for. He would mow your lawn or help you fix your car.”

Frankie had plans of joining the military to further his passion for mechanics. He was headed to the recruiter’s office after a quick stop at his home on the 2800 block of Campbell lane in Modesto.

Frankie would never make it to the recruiter’s office.

It was 6pm and Frankie’s family had just ended dinner. “I had saved Frankie dinner in the microwave,” his mother explained. “Then we heard gunshots, and they sounded very close.”

The gunfire was fast. The doors to the home were locked. “My daughter looked out the window and saw Frankie on the ground.”

Frankie had been shot multiple times. He was still in his work clothes, as he crawled out of the passenger door after the shooting happened. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he later died.

The shooting makes no sense to Frankie’s family. “I think they mistook him for someone else. He wasn’t involved with the wrong crowd. If someone wanted my son, they could have gotten him any time. He was always outside doing something. Cleaning the yard or working on his car.”

Investigators have been working hard on the case, but there is no solid information on suspects. A possible involved vehicle described as an older jeep was seen leaving the area, but officials are seeking more information.

Frankie’s memory lives on in a wood and glass cabinet that was made in his honor. It holds photos of him, a pair of his favorite sneakers, and an apron his work made in his honor that reads “The Toffee Nut King” among other items. “They didn’t just kill him, they killed me too.” his mother Kelly said.

Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects in Frankie Vargas’ killing. Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at (209)521-4636. The Vargas family is also offering an additional $5,000 reward along with the Crimestoppers reward.