Woman Convicted After Slashing Boyfriend In Neck Near Riverhead: DA

RIVERHEAD, NY — A Queens woman was found guilty by a jury of a second-degree assault charge Tuesday after she slashed her boyfriend in the neck in Riverhead in July, 2022, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

The evidence at trial established that on July 23, 2022, Garcia Vargas picked up her boyfriend
from his job in Queens, Tierney said. Garcia Vargas, who had been dating the victim for about seven years, got into an argument with him after he indicated that he wanted to end their relationship, he said.

Instead of dropping the man off at his home, Garcia Vargas continued to drive eastbound on the Long Island Expressway toward Riverhead, over the man's objections, Tierney said.

Garcia Vargas then pulled over onto the side of the road, accusing the victim of cheating on her; she then took out what the man described as a long, sharp object, and told him, "This is where
you die," slashing him on the side of his neck, Tierney said.

The man sustained a deep laceration on his neck but was able to get out of the car and run into
the surrounding woods to look for help, Tierney said. As he ran through the woods, Garcia Vargas
attempted to find him with a flashlight, and was repeatedly calling for him to come back, the DA said.

The man ran to a nearby home, and the homeowners called 911; he was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries, Tierney said.

Garcia Vargas was later arrested in Queens, Tierney said.

On Tuesday, Garcia Vargas was found guilty of second-degree assault, a Class D violent felony, after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, Tierney said.

Garcia Vargas is due back in court on August 28 for sentencing. She is being represented
by the Legal Aid Society, Tierney said.

"Domestic violence of any kind is unacceptable,” Tierney said. "Thankfully, the victim survived the defendant’s horrific attack, and can hopefully feel safe knowing that the defendant will serve time in jail for her crimes."