Video could lead police to shooting suspects

Police hope a surveillance video helps them nab the suspect who fatally shot a local boxing legend in the early morning hours on Saturday. Boxer Ronnie Vargas, a three-time Golden Gloves champion, was

News 12 Staff

Aug 18, 2008, 12:17 AM

Updated 5,899 days ago

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Police hope a surveillance video helps them nab the suspect who fatally shot a local boxing legend in the early morning hours on Saturday.
Boxer Ronnie Vargas, a three-time Golden Gloves champion, was pistol whipped and shot in the torso, according to friends. Police say the shooting took place on Hughes Street during a dispute Vargas was having with a group of men. One of the men in a white sedan pulled out a gun during the argument and shot Vargas, police say.
Vargas then drove off, sideswiped several cars before he got out and collapsed in the street. He was rushed to St. Barbanas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Family, friends and neighbors now are holding a candlelight vigil for the 20-year-old Venezuelan-born immigrant known for his boxing prowess. Vargas fought five times in the Golden Gloves, winning three times, say his relatives.
"Only two people in New York State have ever done that," says Jonathan Pabon.
Vargas, who turned professional last year, lived in Mott Haven, where he achieved the American dream through his boxing, according to friends and family.
"He lived [boxing]. It's sad he left at a young age," says Carmen Vargas, Vargas' aunt.