No charges have been filed in the death of Francisco Javier Vargas III, but authorities did take into custody and question a person of interest last week.
A joint investigation between Kansas City’s Metro Squad and the Platte County Sheriff’s Department identified the person, who was taken into custody about 2 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 6 in Kansas City, Kan. The Metro Squad handled the interview of the person of interest after the Kansas Highway Patrol took him into custody.
“They did a thorough investigation following up on any leads that were located during the investigation,” said Capt. Erik Holland of the Platte County Sheriff’s Department, “and that led them to this person of interest.”
Holland and Platte County prosecutor Eric Zahnd could not verify if the person remained in custody on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 11 but that charges have not been filed against that person at this time. Zahnd said his office and the Platte County Sheriff’s Department continue to collaborate in what is considered an ongoing investigation.
The Metro Squad turned the investigation over to the sheriff’s department after initially assisting when authorities were alerted to the discovery of Vargas’ body, located Saturday, Nov. 1 at his residence located just north of Parkville. Vargas, 27, was found shot multiple times.
According to Holland, the murder likely occurred earlier the same day inside a house located in the 6600 block of NW Twin Springs Road near the junctions of Highways 9 and 45. Authorities said Vargas’ girlfriend discovered the body, but it was unclear who, if anyone, lived at the residence with the victim.