LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The arrest report for the mother accused of shooting and killing her son, identified as “John," has been released.
According to the report, 24-year-old Jasmin Vargas had taken her child with her to visit a friend at the apartment complex on Arlington Street where the shooting happened.
Before the shooting, the friend applied makeup to Jasmin for a photoshoot. “John” played with the friend’s son during that time.
Vargas, the friend, two other adults and the two children then exited the apartment to take a “stroll” around the complex.
During the walk, Vargas noticed that some of the lighting was out and the walkway was dark. The friend explained there had been recent auto burglaries in the complex. Vargas then went to her car to retrieve the gun she recently purchased because she was reportedly afraid, according to the report.
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While showing the gun to her friends, she allegedly released the safety, pointed the gun in front of her, stated “there’s nothing in there,” and pulled the trigger.
The bullet struck her son in the head.
During an interview with police, Vargas told them that she did not know why there was a bullet in the chamber.
She also told them she bought the gun about a month ago for her protection due to the fact that she is a small woman and that she had never owned a gun in the past.
Vargas also said she had taken the gun to the desert the day before to shoot and she fired two rounds.
Additionally, she told police she was aware that the children were in front of her when she pulled the gun out and pulled the trigger. However, she also said that she was surprised when the gun fired a bullet.
EXCERPT FROM OFFICIAL POLICE REPORT
Because of this, Vargas is facing two charges — one for her son and one for the other child.
A judge set bail at $80,000 for Vargas on Thursday afternoon. Vargas does not have a previous criminal history and has family in the community. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 22.
