Fort Bend Crime Stoppers Offers $10K Reward In Cold Case Murder

STAFFORD, TX — The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is looking to close out a 10 year old murder case that has grown cold.

On July 19, 2007 Richard Vargas was inside Ink Tones Tattoos on FM 1092 after an incident that involved several men.

When deputies arrived, they found Vargas dead by the front door of the business. (Want to get daily news updates and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Sugar Land Patch morning newsletter.)

Witnesses told deputies that a man, identified as Israel Angel Valdez and several others came into Ink Tones Tattoos and started shooting, and that Valdez shot and killed Vargas.

Witnesses said the men got into a red or maroon four-door passenger car and drove away on FM 1092.

Israel Angel Valdez, who is now 53 years old, is 6-feet, 5-inches tall and was last reported as weighing more than 300 pounds.

“This is a cold case and we recognize that it is difficult to get information on a case that occurred 10 years ago, but the $10,000 reward shows we want to try again,” said Leslie Woods, president of the Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers. “To this day, we have family members who are still grieving due to this deadly incident. Anyone who has information about this case is asked to make that anonymous call to the Crime Stoppers phone number so this family can have closure.”

Valdez was arrested and charged in Fort Bend County for this murder, but he posted bond in November 2007 and fled in order to avoid prosecution.

Valdez has previous ties to Houston and Alma, Michigan. He also has family ties to Mexico and has been known to work as a painter.

“Israel Valdez is a dangerous man and he probably carries a weapon,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “He has been on our Top 10 Most Wanted list for 10 years. We need someone to step up and send us a tip that leads to his capture.”

Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers will pay a $10,000 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrator in a deadly cold case.

Anyone who has information on this crime is asked to call Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers, Inc. at (281) 342-TIPS (8477) or send a text message to FBCCS plus your tip to CRIMES (274637)

Submit Online: http://www.fortbend.crimestoppersweb.com/

Image: Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Send your new tips to bryan.kirk@patch.com