VAN NUYS (CNS) — A man who allegedly shoved his 70-year-old mother out of a second-story window during an argument at their Van Nuys apartment, then continued to attack her on the ground in front of bystanders, has been charged with murder.
Fernando Vargas, 40, was scheduled to be arraigned at the Van Nuys courthouse Wednesday, Oct. 12, in connection with the death of his mother, Carlota.
The murder charge includes a sentence-enhancing allegation that the victim was elderly, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Vargas was allegedly arguing with his mother when he pushed her out of the window about 3 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 10. Vargas then allegedly jumped out of the window and attacked his mother on the ground outside the apartment building in the 7400 block of Hazeltine Avenue where they had lived for about a decade.
She died at a nearby hospital.
Vargas — who was treated for a heel fracture — could face up to 25 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney’s Office.