SAN ANTONIO — After a vicious attack that killed a man during a confrontation involving a vehicle break-in, the kindness of strangers is helping the grieving family.
The murder happened at a northwest-side Twin Peaks restaurant parking lot just over a week ago, on Nov. 23. On Tuesday, family and friends came together for a plate sale to help the family of Michael Vargas.
Through hugs and tears, friends and strangers came together for a cause.
"His family, we're all middle-class and we all need to raise money for the funeral because we care about him," said Aubree Bustos, a family friend. "We really want help for him and his family."
Monica Carranza was with Vargas during the attack and said, "We're beyond grateful for everyone that has come and who has shown up."
The shooting happened, she said, when they left the restaurant and caught someone breaking into his truck.
"It happened so fast. We were walking out and there was a little light in his truck," Carranza said of the tiny beam of a flashlight they saw that was being used by a burglar.
"Maybe it's not what we should have done, obviously, but he grabbed the wheel trying to get them to stop," Carranza said.
Carranza said she felt the shot and tried to save her friend.
"I tried to hold his bullet hole and telling him to stay with me and I'm yelling to stay with me, please!"
While the woman was slightly injured, she praised police for responding within three minutes. But the injuries to Vargas proved to be too devastating.
Sobbing, Carranza said: "They took me away into the ambulance and that's when they told me he didn't make it."
Carranza said her friend was a deeply devoted father to a young son and to his parents, who he helped support.
"Don't forget: Michael was such a great man. He gave his heart. He loved and people loved him," she added. "We see that today, how many people loved him."
Police said there have been no arrests. The only clue shared by authorities so far is that the suspects sped from the scene in a dark sedan.
The fundraising account for the family shares the following: "Michael Angelo Vargas had a golden heart. He cared for everyone around him. Full of love & the most contagious smile. Always did things out of love and made sure no one was ever left behind. The people that took his life didn't realize that they took a father, a friend, a son and a person that devoted his life to United States. Anything helps, I would love to make sure he gets the proper burial."