2nd suspect in attempted robbery, shooting along interstate dies

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The second person shot during an attempted robbery in Gwinnett County has died.

Gwinnett police said 20-year-old Erik Vargas died after he was shot in the parking lot of 950 Indian Trail Road Tuesday night.

Authorities said a group of five people attempted to rob a person along Interstate 85, the incident continued for 2 miles and ended on Indian Trail Lilburn Road and between there and Dickens Road.

The victim fired shots at the car and hit two people. Junior Lanuza-Gutierrez, 16, was also killed in the shooting.

Three others in the car, Harry Richardson, Anthoney Esquero and Kevin Gallardo, were arrested by police. They are facing charges of murder and robbery.

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Police are still searching for the victim.

“We do need to figure out the other side of events, so that's why it's so important we hear from the other party involved,” said Gwinnett County Sheriff Sgt. Jake Smith.

The three suspects appeared before a judge Thursday.

As the charges mount, the suspects’ families are simply trying to sort everything out. The Gallardos didn't want to talk after court, saying they want to try and keep everything “under the radar.”

The three survivors face murder charges because police said they were committing a felony when someone else died, so legally they are just as responsible, even though they didn't pull the trigger.

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact Gwinnett County detectives at 770-513-5300.

To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

Cox Media Group