By: Richard L. Smith
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella has announced the arrest of several individuals from various locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania in connection with a murder case.
The individuals were apprehended following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Garfield Police Department.
The incident occurred on Sunday, February 4, 2024, when police were called to JoJo’s Bar & Grill in Garfield, NJ, after reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they found a 31-year-old man,
Richard Franceschi, with multiple stab wounds. He was quickly transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.
The investigation identified the suspects involved in the assault and stabbing of Franceschi.
It was revealed that one of the suspects had a firearm, and another was armed with a knife during the incident. The suspects fled the scene to avoid capture by law enforcement.
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office identified the men as Jayson Rivera, 24, Bryant Sanchez, 26, Erony Sanchez, 27, Dante Moore, 33, Ricky, and Angel” Vargas, 35.
Subsequently, three of the suspects were arrested in February with the help of the Bergen County and New Jersey State Police SWAT Teams.
They are currently detained and facing charges related to the murder and other offenses. Another suspect was arrested in March in Garfield, NJ, and is also facing similar charges.
One individual, Ricky "Angel" Vargas, is currently at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Authorities have charged him with murder, among other charges, and are actively seeking any information regarding his whereabouts.
The community is urged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office with any relevant tips.
