Grayslake Man Enters Not Guilty Plea In Fatal Stabbing

ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL — A 29-year-old Grayslake man accused of fatally stabbing a man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

Jesus Vargas is accused of fatally stabbing Brian Mahdee, 37, of Round Lake Beach, after the two got into a verbal argument at a home in the 2000 block of Apache Trail in Round Lake Beach on Feb. 28, authorities said. Police believe the two men were involved in a romantic relationship.

Vargas, who remains in custody on a $3 million bail, appeared at a virtual hearing Monday, and his attorney entered a not guilty plea on Vargas' behalf, according to the Daily Herald.

• $3M Bail For Man Accused In Fatal Stabbing
  

The Round Lake Beach Police Department responded to the reported stabbing at about 3 p.m. on Feb. 28 and found Mahdee dead in the garage. Vargas, who had several lacerations, was taken to an area hospital.

Witnesses told police they saw Vargas cut himself several times after he stabbed Mahdee, according to a news release from the Lake County Major Crime Task Force. He was treated for minor injuries and then released from the hospital.

According to the Lake County Coroner's Office, an autopsy revealed Mahdee died from multiple sharp force injuries.

Vargas is next expected in court on March 25 and a trial date has not yet been set.