Aaron Vargas on trial for killing alleged abuser

[The Straight Story]

Aaron Vargas on trial for killing alleged abuser

FORT BRAGG, CA - Aaron Vargas said he was tormented and stalked by the man who repeatedly raped him as a child, but prosecutors say the murder of Darrell McNeill was premeditated -- and Vargas should go to prison for life.

The case has sparked protests and letter campaigns in the tiny coastal community of Fort Bragg in Mendocino County, where Vargas will go on trial next month.

No one disputes the killing. On the night of February 8, 2009, Aaron Vargas, 30, drove to McNeill's home with an antique pistol. The two argued briefly and Vargas admits to shooting McNeill once.

Prosecutors say Vargas took the pistol apart at McNeill's home, leaving the pieces on the kitchen counter. McNeill's wife, who was home at the time, said Vargas told her that her husband had abused him for years. He even asked her not to call 911 until Darrell McNeill was dead.

As news of the killing spread, other men who said they had fallen victim to McNeill came forward.

Todd Rowan, a carpenter in Fort Bragg, admitted feeling some relief when he heard McNeill was dead.

"My first thought was, nobody is going to get hurt anymore. I felt for Aaron," Rowan said.

Richard Massingale said his little brother Jamie committed suicide just days after revealing his abuse at McNeill's hands.

http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=77200&catid=2

[Richard Steele]

1. K&R

[Behind the Aegis]

2. It does sound as if it is premeditated murder.