August 11, 2022
On August 7, 2022 at around 3:30PM, Officers with the Monte Vista Police Department were notified of a shooting in the 300 block of Monroe Street, within Monte Vista. When officers arrived on scene, they found a juvenile female who had sustained a gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived and the juvenile was pronounced deceased.
On August 11, 2022, after an extensive investigation, reviewing evidence and conducting many interviews, Detectives with the Monte Vista Police Department established probable cause, which resulted in arrest warrants for three individuals relating to the tragic death of the victim.
Two juvenile females were arrested for Reckless Manslaughter, C.R.S. § 18-3-104(1)(a), and Possession of Handgun by Juveniles C.R.S. 18-12-108.5(1)(a) and will be held at the Pueblo Youth Detention Center.
Emiliano Vargas, 21, Monte Vista, who was the owner of the gun was also arrested for Secure Firearm Storage Required, C.R.S. § 18-12-114(2)(a)(I), and Unlawfully Providing or Permitting a Juvenile to Possess a Handgun C.R.S. 18-12-108.7(1)(a). He was booked into the Rio Grande County Jail.
We remind the public a new law went into effect in July, which requires firearms to be properly and safely secured to prevent access by juveniles. A link to the law can be found here: Gun Storage Law
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Since arrests have been made, further information regarding this investigation will be handled by the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office who will be prosecuting the case.
