Benjamin Vargas

Deputies booked Vargas — the first suspect brought into custody for the case — into the Santa Barbara County Jail late Tuesday evening under the suspicion of stabbing Velasquez to death after a verbal and physical confrontation. Detectives are still searching for a reported female accomplice.

Sheriff’s detectives are continuing the investigation and requesting anyone with information regarding the crime to contact the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (805) 681-4150 or the anonymous tip line at (805) 681-4171. The department will release any further information once it is determined not to potentially jeopardize the case.