Police identified an Indio man as a suspect in the murder of a 19-year-old College of the Desert student.
Wendy Vargas was found dead on December 14 at her Oasis home near the Salton Sea. A family member told The Desert Sun that Vargas’ body was cold and covered in bruises when it was discovered by her mother.
Abraham Perez Romero, 41, was charged in the death of Vargas on Tuesday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Police are investigating the death as a domestic incident and are not seeking any other suspects, according to a news release.
Romero, who also goes by Jose Ramirez Arena, was last seen in Mexico.
Anyone with info should call (951) 955-0896.
Update: Romero has been identified as being the stepdad of Vargas.
