Background: The U.S. Marshals Service is seen arresting Abiud Torres in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 22, 2024 (image via U.S. Marshals Service). Inset left: Abiud Torres (U.S. Marshals Service). Inset right: Torres’ girlfriend, Tatiana Vargas, who he is accused of killing (photo via obituary).
The man who allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend while her young son was home has been arrested, said the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
@USMS_Philly arrested Abiud Torres, 20, this morning in an abandoned home in Kensington. Torres was wanted for the Dec. 23rd murder of a woman which occurred in the 3100 block of Hartville St. Torres shot his girlfriend in front of her 11 year-old son and then fled the scene. pic.twitter.com/4lLuCkwn0t
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) February 22, 2024
Abiud Torres, 20, allegedly murdered Tatiana “Tati” Vargas, 35, on Dec. 23, 2023, a mere two days before Christmas. The slaying occurred on the 3100 block of Hartville St. The victim’s son, age 11, heard it happen, a relative said.
“He heard them arguing,” Vargas’ younger sister, Josie Vargas, said of the victim’s son, according to Philadelphia ABC affiliate WPVI in a Jan. 2 report. “He was playing a game in the room, heard a shot, came outside, and saw her lying in the living room.”
The Marshals Service said it learned that Torres might have been frequenting abandoned homes in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Kensington, according to a press statement obtained by reporter Steve Keeley of Philadelphia Fox affiliate WTXF. Investigators found him Thursday.
“At 6:00 a.m. this morning, more than two dozen investigators from the fugitive task force, assembled to investigate suspected locations Torres was believed to be hiding,” they wrote. “At 6:45 a.m., Torres was confirmed to be presently in a home on the 1800 block of Hart Lane. Upon being confronted, Torres complied with officer’s commands and was placed under arrest without incident.”
Vargas had worked as an ESL teacher.
“Family meant the world to her, and she deeply loved being a mother to her son,” her obituary said. “Tatiana had a big heart and was generous and giving to all those around her.”
“Abiud Torres committed a senseless, tragic crime against a woman who had her whole life ahead of her,” Supervisory Deputy Marshal Robert Clark said. “I am hoping this arrest can bring some closure to the Vargas family and all who knew Tatiana Vargas.”
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