Derek Callahan

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May 8, 2026, 10:49 PM

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Updated

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A fugitive wanted in connection with a fatal stabbing outside a Garfield bar in 2024 was captured Thursday, according to the FBI.

Ricky Vargas was arrested by the FBI’s Dallas Field Office without incident.

Authorities say Vargas was wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a man outside Jojos Bar and Grill during the early morning hours of Feb. 4, 2024. The victim, Hawthorne resident Richard Franceschi, was stabbed to death.

Vargas was charged Feb. 5, 2024, in Garfield City Municipal Court with murder, causing serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of a crime, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and possession of a weapon.

RELATED: FBI offers $15K reward for information about deadly stabbing outside Garfield bar

RELATED: Prosecutor: 5 men accused in deadly stabbing at Garfield bar; 1 remains at-large

A federal arrest warrant was issued Feb. 7, 2024, in U.S. District Court in Newark after Vargas was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The FBI offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to Vargas’ arrest and conviction.

(Photo Credit: Federal Bureau of Investigation)