Man charged in Mayfair quadruple shooting also linked to another deadly shooting, police say
PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing several charges after investigators say he went on a weeks-long crime rampage in Philadelphia that included at least two deadly shooting that killed four people.
Edwin Vargas, 24, was arrested Tuesday in connection to a Jan. 9 quadruple shooting in Mayfair that killed three young men. Authorities say Vargas has been charged with three counts of murder, and one count of attempted murder for the deadly shooting.
Authorities say an 18-year-old and 19-year-old were found fatally shot near the intersection of Rowland and Guilford Streets just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 9.
A 24-year-old man also suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at Nazareth Hospital, while a fourth victim, age 28, was placed in critical condition at Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital.
Investigators believe all four men were returning from shopping at a local mall when at least one gunman opened fire on them, firing more than 50 shots. Both cars involved in the shooting are believed to have been reported stolen out of Harrison Township, New Jersey, the District Attorney's Office said.
Two other suspects are still being sought in connection to the shooting based on surveillance video, according to police.
Police also say the Vargas is believed to be responsible for a fatal shooting in Hunting Park just six days prior in the early morning hours of Jan. 3.
According to officials, police responded to the 900 block of West Hunting Park and found a 28-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was pronounced dead on scene shortly after.
Evidence from this fatal shooting lead police to arrest Vargas, police said in a press conference Wednesday. He's been charged with murder, reckless endangerment, and weapons offenses in that incident.
"We understand that no amount of justice can bring back their loved ones, but we have not and we will not rest until all of those responsible for terrorizing our city are taken into custody.", said Philadelphia Police Staff inspector Ernest Ransom.
The deadly shootings are just part of Vargas's accused violent rampage of crime in Philadelphia over about two weeks. Authorities have also accused Vargas of twice firing shots at his ex-girlfriend's house in the Harrowgate section of the city on Dec. 30 and Jan. 4.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office reported that Vargas was most recently convicted and served time for aggravated assault and illegal firearm possession following an arrest in January of 2020.