July 16, 2012 - Charges have been filed against a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man at 3700 Yosemite about 8:50 p.m. on May 3.
The suspect, Jason Earnest Vargas (b/m, DOB: 2-19-87), is charged with murder in the 351st State District Court. He is accused in the killing of Dexter Gerard August, 35, of Houston, who died at Ben Taub General Hospital.
A photo of suspect Vargas, who is currently in the Harris County Jail on an unrelated charge, is attached to this news release.
HPD Homicide Division Sergeants C. Cegielski and J. Brooks reported:
HPD patrol officers responded to a shooting call at the above location and found Mr. August shot in the chest. HFD paramedics then transported August to the hospital. According to witnesses, prior to the shooting, a candlelight memorial service was held at Yellowstone Park for a man fatally shot on May 1, in the 3700 block of Alice. About 200 to 300 people were present and, at some point during the service, Mr. August got into an argument with an unknown suspect. The argument escalated and the suspect produced a pistol. The suspect then shot August several times and fled the scene.
Further investigation and witness statements identified Vargas as the suspect in this case and today (July 16) he was charged in this case.
Jason Earnest Vargas
Update: VHS/JKS 7-16-12
VHS/JFC 5-4-12
Inc. #056226712
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
