Originally published May 6, 2009 at 5:29 p.m., updated May 6, 2009 at 5:29 p.m.
The Andrew County Sheriff's Department says two individuals are in custody as part of an ongoing murder investigation.
Andrew County Sheriff Bryan Atkins said that two individuals, a man and a woman, were in custody as persons of interest in the weekend murder of Antonio Jose Maravilla-Vargas, whose body was discovered Saturday in rural Andrew County.
Late Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement agencies from Andrew County, Buchanan County and St. Joseph converged on a residential street off Alabama Street on the South Side. The commotion caused a nearby high school baseball game to be delayed for about 10 minutes.
Authorities took the two persons into custody and are still searching for a red Nissan Pathfinder as part of the investigation. On Tuesday, restaurant owner Antonio Onate, 44, was charged with first-degree murder for allegedly ordering the contract killing of Mr. Maravilla-Vargas.
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suzyQ says...
I am thankful for the quick actions of law enforcement of both Andrew and Buchanan counties in making such quick progress. I saw part of this going down, and I was proud of our law enforcement. They definitely looked like they knew what they were doing, however I did not stick around to see the ending. I'm glad noone else was hurt.
May 6, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JesusFreak101 says...
I'm very glad the police acted quickly. The 2 suspects were just down the street from my home and it's a very scary thing to have murderers near where you live. I'm just glad the My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ protected me and my family!
May 6, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
I dont recall anyone saying these folks were here illegally? The could be or not, I dont know I just dont recall reading that. Regardless, this is a tragedy.
He sure seemed like he had alot going for him, college education, computers, likable, and strong faith, him and his dad both.
I hope they raise enough to be able take him back to Mexico. I feel so bad for that family.
Thank you again law enforcement. Job well done in taking care of our communities.
May 6, 2009 at 9:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missourimule says...
I just think it's nice that the News Press finally decided to pay a little attention to this story; Sunday morning, and Monday, they could only find room for a brief mention on the back page of the front section. The KC TV stations were a lot more interested in this murder than the News Press or our local media.
May 6, 2009 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jambreman says...
My sister & I knew this young man and his family. I do not believe that they are here illegally, and I don't believe that the owner of La Mesa's brought them here. He simply worked there part time as an entertainer. Either way, this is a tragedy. $2000 for someone's life? That is beyond disgusting. I was hoping that this would not be put on the back burner because he was not from here. I would hope that the local funeral homes would each chip in and foot the cost to return this man to his home. As far as I know, each of the funeral homes take turns when someone doesn't have the money for burial. I also can't understand why people would continue to eat at La Mesa's after this incident. I will not contribute another dime knowing that my meal money funds murder for hire.
May 6, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jambreman says...
RMAP-Have you lost your marbles? Are you going to justify this crime because this man may or may not have been here legally? Regardless, this should not happen to anyone. What ever happened to people just being HUMAN, and not judging based on nationality?? If you want to take up lobbying for tighter borders, then have at it. It is not the time to play the blame game. A young man was shot execution style and dumped like garbage over a mere $2000. Politics aside, he was someone's son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend. Have some compassion.
May 6, 2009 at 10:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stjoebear says...
So what are you saying Jesusfreak ,that Jesus didn't really care about Mr. Maravilla-Vargas. but your family is so wonderful you received divine intervention from your murderous neighbors ??? It's comments like this from "Christians" like you, that makes me wish there was a Hell, and you someday would reside there for your thoughtless,pompous, self righteous statement.
May 6, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
saved1112 says...
stjoebear, how did you get 'that' out of what Jesusfreak101 said??
Thoughtless, pompous, self righteous... hmm...
May 7, 2009 at 12:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
Jambreman: "he was someone's son, brother, grandson, uncle, and friend. Have some compassion."
Amen!
May 7, 2009 at 3:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
stjoebear and whomever - I did not interpret anything like that out of jesusfreak post. I think what you said is stretching it a bit and putting words out there that have no place in this particular forum. This is about a young man's life lost, and the people suspected, and the law enforcement. Please don't turn this to an off "hot" topic. I'm not saying dont discuss it if you wish, but maybe take it to "its your call" or something please. At least out of respect for Mr. Maravilla-Vargas.
May 7, 2009 at 3:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
OldGrumpy says...
I was quite saddened when I heard of the victims father trying to raise enough money to take his son home for burial. I think it only right, that those involved in the murder, be made to pay ALL expenses for the young mans burial.
May 7, 2009 at 6:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
Old grumpy- You know I had the exact same thought. That restaurant is over there an open, they ought to be contributing. Since the suspects have not been found guilty yet in a court of law, I don't think they can be "made" to pay, but someone with some sense of conscience related to La Mesa/families involved ought to be making a "healthy" anonymous deposit in the name of Mr. Maravilla-Vargas at one of the local banks that have a memorial set up or one of the other places. I hope we can help this family get their son back to Mexico. I know times are tight, but I hope we will do what we can, etc. May God bless those who are able to help.
May 7, 2009 at 7:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
min808 says...
Let me say: IT IS MY OPINION that anyone who continues to eat at La Mesa is only funding the owners actions, and financing anything else this disgusting person wants "taken care of"!!!
Seriously- $2000 for a life??!!! That guy needs to be locked up for the rest of his life! I hope La Mesa is closed soon-
My heart goes out to the family of the young man...
May 7, 2009 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
min808 says...
I hope they raise enough money for the father... He is in my prayers:(
May 7, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stjoebear says...
SuzyQ you totally missed the point. Jesusfreak makes no comment about anything but his own families safety, as if because he is a "christian" they were spared this type senseless brutallity. It makes no mention of sorrow or concern for the deceased, as if maybe he was as good a "christian' as he, he may have been protected by jesus too. B.S.
May 7, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
I guess I just didnt get that out of it when I read it and I don't think most people would naturally assume that was his/her intent. I imagined that he/she must have been in somewhat state of shock/adrenaline from all of this going on just footsteps from their house and was specifically commenting on that only. Expressing thankfulness for being spared (to me) does not automatically imply that someone else wasn't worthy. Bad things happen to good people ALOT, for reasons which are unclear whether you are a believer or not. One thing I think we can agree on, this young man did not deserve what he got in no way, shape, or form. I just don't want the it to turn in to a big flame fest on this particular forum. Maybe asking for a little clarification before flaming? I would like to be able to comment and show support to this family, to our law enforcement, and express sadness over what has happened. If everyone starts slamming or flaming, the NPG (rightly so) would be inclined to just shut down the ability to post like on the other articles regarding this.
There is a time and place for these types of heated discussions, I just think a little sensitivity and respect towards this young man and his friends and family would far outweigh trivial spats. Thats just me I guess, but I respect your right to your opinions, just dont think it should be here on this forum. Thats all.
May 7, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
PS: Following your line of thinking, one could reasonably assume from your two posts were purley driven by a conflict with Christians/Christianity, almost as if you saw the loggin of Jeasus Freak and went on a witchhunt to see what you can call them out on. You did not personally make a claim fo sorrow, concern, or sympathy. Am I to automatically assume that you do not have sympathy for the family. Here you posted twice but not one mention of your sympathy, just criticism to Jesusfreak.
I think that would be an incorrect assumption to make as well. I really think you read something in jesusfreak comment that wasnt there, but you didnt give him/her even the benefit of the doubt before flaming.
May 7, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
min808 says...
stjoebear- I can see where the misconception of Jesusfreak's statement, mostly bc the way it was referenced as "My Lord"-
Although, (again my opinion)when I read it- It didnt seem dis-respectful... I don't think there was mean intent behind it...
But I am also aware that every one has their own perception of things and opinions
May 7, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
Seriously, I really just took it as the poster is very outwardly spiritual, some people say Praise the Lord, Amen more than others, some are charismatic (verbally and physically). There is nothing wrong with, nothing wrong not doing it. Personally, I am a bit more reserved. Maybe it struck St. Joe Bear differently because they have different views when it comes to faith. I can respect that too. All I am saying, not here on this forum. It is taking away from the real issue here and it is insensitive to Mr. Maravilla-Vargas' memory and his family. With that said, I'm not commenting or contributing to it any further here. I will meet you over on the "its your call" section to further discuss it (if we can and if you wish).
Lets make an effort to keep things civil here please.
May 7, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
min808 says...
I agree with you suzyQ:)
May 7, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TonyRipesRoma says...
For the record I send my sincerest condolences. It should never be up to one mane to choose to take the life of another because man shows they are capable of taking it for the dumbest things, as was the case with this. Now, one less good man is on earth in a world already in VERY short supply. My sincerest regards to the family, who knows now how much less bright and full the earth will be without their son in it. I just can't get over the sick irony of a man that leaves Mexico in search of an honest, good, whole life away from the drugs and corruption of his home, and winds up getting killed here for two thousand dollars over a petty dispute. My sincerest regards.
I am not going to argue about this, for there is a time and place. All I will ask though is that we keep in mind that God and divine intervention right now is a tough concept for a family to deal with whose son has just been murdered. And pehaps you feel that God did in fact save you and your family, and there is nothing wrong with that. But please keep in mind that the person whose article we are commenting on was not so lucky.....and perhaps we should be sensitive of the fact that these comments, at this time, might further hurt this family and all those reeling from a loss of a man who was not as lucky as some. Not saying anyone has done wrong..... I just know that when one is this hurt perception is everything. Just asking for sensitivity to a very painful issue for this family.
May 7, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
i hope everyone will find time to take whatever change they can to one of the tiendas which are taking up collections for maravilla-vargas' death expenses. god bless that family, and grace to them in this tragedy.
May 7, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
You are 110% on Heritage. Even if we all just dump in spare change, I think it will get covered. What is it, 6K? If 6K people all sent a dollar? Those of us who frequent eating out, skip it, donate the $$ instead. There is also a bank account set up if that is easier, etc.
Time to pull together and do what we can.
Tony you are right too about the irony, he came here for a better life, and it ended up costing his. Sad. Tragedy. :(
May 7, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
Maybe if need be someone could plan an event to help raise funds. Anything. A ball tournement, soccer, or something musical since he was a musician, or even just a park day with your family with a donation. I have faith this town can come through for this young man. Lets do it.
May 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
Heck maybe St Pats could help host an event, a tamale sale, taco night or something. Maybe the local radio stations/TV stations could pitch in. I'd help out. That is, unless everyone gets it in gear and get their donations in. I am sure given the situation the $$ is needed ASAP.
May 7, 2009 at 2:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
heritage_sarahhochschwender says...
i did call st pat's this afternoon and the sect'y did not have any additional information other than what is provided in this article.
May 7, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeacky_13 says...
Boycott La Mesa? I personaly don't think thats the right thing to do. Maybe you can wait untill the trial to see what else comes out in the open. Just because one of the business owners might have done this, no one else should have to suffer. There are other people who can loose there jobs, and maybe even end up on unemployment like so many others with this economy! I say keep going to La Mesa, there is so many others that will have to suffer for one mans mistake if you boycott. Just pray for the FAMILIES of both the victim and the ones who are allegedly at fault.
May 7, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rmap says...
Ok genius how do you feel about haveing MS13 here in st.joe. they have one in custody. what about when you lose someone close to you from them? all for triumph and other companies that act as a magnet for illegals? it is not racist if they want to be americans then do it lawfully. if they are just looking for work, well a lot of AMERICANS are as well, anything other than that is blah,blah blah, swim on the sound of your own voices.
May 7, 2009 at 11:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rmap says...
Let tell you something else from experience. I have lived in many of the major cities from west coast to east and the desert border towns. you let a gang recruit and gain strength and you are in for a &%* storm. get ready st.joe your lives may be changeing right in front of you. and if you doubt me let me know how that works out for you. have any of you actually seen horror up close and personal, when you do it might just change your perspective it did mine.
May 7, 2009 at 11:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rmap says...
I wish you all luck w/ your new problem as my job is moveing me again. I have met some great people in this town thought i was going to stay been here for awhile, i guess you just never know. but you would be wise to look at the bigger picture. although alot of you on are probably unable judgeiNg from what i have read on posts other than this one. i am sorry for that families loss, i know that it makes them feel helpless against something so senseless. GOODBYE!
May 8, 2009 at 12:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
squeacky-I dont need a trial to wait and see what comes out. There is young man did not deserve what happened to him. They have confessions here. Personally, I had not frequented La Mesa for other reasons lately, but if I hadn't I couldn't in good conscience go at this time. But you are right, I do pray for BOTH families. Maybe if La Mesa other owners picked up that 6K tab to send this young man back to Mexico to be buried, that might be a bit redeeming. I realize that the employees and other owners had no control over what Mr. Onate did, but sadly his actions does have an impact. Sorry, I don't want to pay for his attorney fees.
May 8, 2009 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
min808 says...
AMEN SuzyQ!! You took the words right out of my mouth!
(and as far as not frequenting La Mesa- I happen to not go there at ALL due to their EXTENSIVE issues when the Health Dept visits)
May 8, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeacky_13 says...
Well, I have to say, not all the imigrants are illegal, just like not all whites are lazy drugies, but there are many I know of in Saint Joseph! Mr. Onate has not spoken or confesed to anything. All we know is Mr. Hernadez, which I know, and I think is full of crap, acused his ex boss of hiring them to do this. You never really know... But if you don't like going there thats fine with me, I worked there and other resteraunts, and it seemed perfectly fine to me! I just hope they don't have to close down and throw the people on welfare!
May 8, 2009 at 8:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mogrl says...
I also believe that a La Mesa boycot is not going to accomplish anything but but people out of work who are not at falt for anything that has happened. But to each his own. Maybe I am bias because I like there food:)
May 8, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
suzyQ says...
squeaky you do have a point about being full of crap. I never heard of a criminal who was credible. I guess the evidence will prove one way or another.
Maybe La Mesa could put a container up to collect funds (as well as chip in themselves), after all Mr. Maravilla-Vargas worked there too and probably had friends.
May 8, 2009 at 10:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stjoebear says...
SuzyQ I quess I missed where you were named lord and moderator of this thread.I or no noe else need your personal approval to post here.
May 10, 2009 at 4:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )