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November 5, 2009 10:02 AM

While Dozens Gawked at Richmond Rape, One Brave Girl Called 911

Posted by Edecio Martinez
(KPIX/CBS5)
Photo: Margarita Vargas.

RICHMOND, Calif. (CBS/KPIX) On Oct. 24, police say dozens of teens gawked, laughed and took photographs while a 15-year-old girl was brutally gang-raped and beaten outside a Richmond High School homecoming dance.

But one brave girl, who was not even there, wouldn't stand for it.

"I was watching a movie, and my brother-in-law came in and he told me 'I don't know what to do, because there is a girl back there and she has been raped. I'm scared,'" 18-year-old Margarita Vargas said.

"I'm like 'We should call the cops because that's the right thing to do.' I didn't think about it twice."

Vargas said she called police because she would want someone to do the same if she ever was in that situation.

After making the call, Vargas went to the scene to check on the girl.

"I could tell that she had been beat up because her face was swollen," Vargas said. "She was naked, didn't have shoes. They just covered her up and stuff."

VIDEO COURTESY OF CBS AFFILIATE KPIX

The girl who was attacked is just a few years younger than the woman police now call the "Good Samaritan." Vargas said she would like to reach out to the victim again.

"I would like to talk to her. I would just, not to be nosey or stuff, but I would like to ask how she's feeling. I would want her to know that she can get through it. It will take awhile but she can get through it," she said.

Vargas said she would pick up that phone again and call for help. But she also understands why others won't.

"I think people are scared, especially in a community like this where 'snitching' is a big thing to people," she said.

Vargas said she does not believe there is such a thing as "snitching," especially in a case such as this. Calling for help, she said is just the right thing to do.

Story Contributed by CBS Affiliate KPIX

MORE ON CRMESIDER
October 30, 2009 - Will Richmond High Gang Rape Gawkers Go Free?
October 29, 2009 - Richmond High School Gang-Rape: 4 Teens Charged Could Face Life in Prison
October 28, 2009 - Richmond High School Gang Rape: Three More Arrests in Homecoming Attack
October 27, 2009 - Richmond High School Gang-Rape in California: Others Watched and Did Nothing, Say Cops

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Add a Comment See all 106 Comments
by Gin99G November 7, 2009 10:36 PM EST
Well, I hope the rapists get serious prison time and will be permanently recorded in the Sex Offender register. This girl was only 15, a child in the eyes of the law. I say thank you to our young Heroine. Hold true and don't let what anybody say get you down. You did right and God Bless. :)
Reply to this comment
by Void_Master November 7, 2009 10:27 PM EST
...And then went to the scene to check on the victim!

Well done, young lady.
Reply to this comment
by AndyMaxo November 7, 2009 3:26 PM EST
Margarita Vargas: Thank you for calling 911 on behalf of the gang-raped girl. I bow to you and your brave soul. You are a hero and the best role model for our young people that we could hope for.
I'll press my congressman from Pinellas Florida, Bill Young, to start thinking about a congressional resolution in your honor. Maybe we can get some legislation started that makes it a Federal crime to NOT do what you did. And, if we could get you up on TV in front of all of the younger kids looking up at you, that would be great. That's what we need, more things like this, more young American's "Doing the right thing" without fear of retaliation.
We can start it with your help. Great job and YOU GO GIRL!
Reply to this comment
by tomrobla November 7, 2009 12:30 PM EST
Shows you how messed up Richmond is. Locals are enjoying a gang rape of a girl. Nobody calls the cops. This woman is considered a hero for doing what most people in other communities ( yeah white ) would have done without a thought.
Reply to this comment
by erb0087 November 7, 2009 4:43 AM EST
Margarita Vargas is a true heroine.

They should not have published her name and photograph like this.

There's bound to be idiots out there who will regard this fine young woman as a "snitch."
Reply to this comment
by topher21 November 7, 2009 1:12 AM EST
Kids today are too stupid. im just 24 and you see how younger kids act, with no reguard for consiquences. The society, in radio and tv, promotes sex, cursing, and the rap culture a lot more. Still this all goes back to parenting, thats the major change. When these kids go to jail they will realize they were so dumb, but they think they won't get in trouble just like their favorite rappers. If I was with six buddies and seen a girl naked asking for us to. We would still have enough comman sense that jail would be the outcome if we did.
Reply to this comment
by Phxfire November 7, 2009 3:29 AM EST
Some of the 'kids' involved (incl. watching, laughing, taping) were your age. Its not a recent phenom that kids have become numb and callous through tv, movies, videos and uninvolved parents.
by bubbadubba November 6, 2009 8:36 PM EST
Incredible hero, she dialed 911?.
If she had not made a big deal about it no one would even know who called.
I saw a story where a dog dialed 9/11 after a woman passed out.
I've seen stories about 80 year old women who called 9/11 during gang fights and shootings in front of their houses.
Trash me or whatever, I do not praise people for doing what any normal human being should do unless they are a savage.
Give me a break.
Reply to this comment
by Whydowe November 7, 2009 1:38 AM EST
Nobody is claiming that she is an incredible hero. But, what she did was the "right" thing. Something that many people, in this situation and others, don't do. And, how do you know that she made a big deal? Perhaps, a reporter was looking for a story, and called the police to find out if anyone DID call 911. It would be natural for them to go out and find this girl. And, why shouldn't she tell her story? It's one positive outcome(and deed) from an otherwise tragic event.
by Phxfire November 7, 2009 3:31 AM EST
The police have a record of who calls, perhaps they called. Or maybe she was sending a message to her community that they need to be better people. She risked reprisals for making that call. She is a great deal more of a hero then you will ever be and a better human being. You're a slug.
by crispy-gmx November 7, 2009 12:53 PM EST
I can't believe your ridiculous comments! Rather than take out your outrage at the rapists, you complain about the praise for the girl who called 911 when nobody else would! Sorry, but you are a mean hateful person without an ounce of common sense!
by ttaoin2010 November 7, 2009 1:54 PM EST
A good example of human behavior. We have two types on display. The girl that called 911 and bubbadubba.
I wish abortion could be used to weed out those with the stupid gene......
by AndyMaxo November 7, 2009 3:15 PM EST
Not giving you a break dude.
At least give her credit for being THE ONLY ONE TO CALL! Your anger targeted at her for doing what she did is totally trumped by her comments in the interview.
She talked about how "snitching" is taboo in the hoods and how that is wrong. She is the perfect role model and the publicity for her should ramp up and she should be invited to the White House and thanked by the President on National TV.
You see, we need her to help influence the younger ones looking at her actions. We gotta start somewhere to kill the word "snitching" and replace it with "doing the right thing".
by Whydowe November 8, 2009 10:16 AM EST
One more thought, bubbadubba. It's interesting what you wrote about "what any normal human being should do," because there's a difference between what one "should" do and what one "actually" does.
Unfortunately, even the best of us sometimes don't do the right thing out of laziness or ignorance or just plain fear. But, this girl did to the right thing. So, why wouldn't you praise her for that??
by keepin_the_peace November 6, 2009 4:39 PM EST
I am shocked and disgusted that no one called the police sooner!!!
LIKE HELLO!?!? What the heck!
What if that was your sister or cousin or niece? Or even your friend! Seriously!
It is not okay to watch a crime being committed, especially a crime as brutal and disgusting as this.
Those men, or should I say 'boys' should be castrated and locked up and never released. They are obviously too pathetic to be considered human beings.
Does anyone have MORALS or VALUES these days??????
Reply to this comment
by puzzler125 November 6, 2009 3:04 PM EST
P.S. Anyone who points out the fact that the last person to leave before a raid, any crime is the one to...well? What IS your point? That's the person who's a "rat" in your book? That's the person who is a lifesaver and if you ever get into trouble MAYBE one of us will call 911. Know what? We will because we don't stop to think that the person we're calling for is an a.h. By the way? They should NEVER have posted the name and picture of the girl who called-for her own protection. Snitch? NO WAY! That doesn't exist in my book. But apparently in some places that is a self-imposed "crime" and she will have to watch her back now.
Reply to this comment
by puzzler125 November 6, 2009 3:00 PM EST
I had cell phone problems and couldn't call 911 until I got home (and used the landline-it was the nearest phone. Pay phones don't seem to exist much anymore and I wasn't that far from home.), several minutes after passing a vehicle on an exit ramp wherein the driver was slumped over the wheel. By the time I got home hundreds if not thousands of cars has passed him. When I reported what I say I said, "you must have got dozens of phone calls already" and she said, "No. You're the first." I was the FIRST? HOW RIDICULOUS in this day and age that I was the first. Don't hesitate, CALL, if 911 has already gotten the call fine, if not? You may have just saved the life of one or more people!
Reply to this comment
by trojanny November 6, 2009 2:34 PM EST
By all means, she did the right thing.
People, get active. Call these things in, then go and intervene, if you feel you can be of help. In this case, even to just take some of the emphasis off the victim. (Think - we've all been in tragedies where we wish someone was at least there for us. Be there for someone else, and you might even find how you're appreciated, even from where you least expect it)!!
Reply to this comment
by tofinkfurst November 6, 2009 9:50 AM EST
It is finkfurst's blanket statement, stereotypical and rude, all-or-nothing viewpoint of Americans (pssssst, there are millions of us living here, with thousands of diverse opinions and values) that leads to a lot of problems in this world. Before you speak, you ought to come meet more of us.

Personally, I have found that there are idiots in existence all over the world.

If I had a nickel for every time I heard a statement beginning with, "You Americans are all....."

Guess what? We are not all the same, and many of us ARE working to do "something about it".
Reply to this comment
by finkfurst November 6, 2009 12:07 PM EST
by tofinkfurst November 6, 2009 9:50 AM EST
Guess what? We are not all the same, and many of us ARE working to do "something about it".
---------------------
Really? What are you doing about it?
by finkfurst November 6, 2009 3:06 PM EST
by tofinkfurst November 6, 2009 9:50 AM EST
Guess what? We are not all the same, and many of us ARE working to do "something about it".
----------------------
As I expected, no reply.
by Whydowe November 7, 2009 12:17 AM EST
And, what are you doing about it, finkfurst?
by finkfurst November 7, 2009 4:27 AM EST
I asked first............. but one of the things I do is point out the stupidity and violence of America and Britain's actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, on here and to more influential people.
by Whydowe November 7, 2009 10:01 AM EST
finkfurst: Merely pointing out the stupidity of others isn't enough, unless one has a job doing quality control, etc. If you feel so strongly about doing what's right, why not do more than just criticizing and generalizing?
by finkfurst November 7, 2009 10:18 AM EST
Whydowe - I ALWAYS also have alternative and better courses of action to offer...... and I notice you are doing EXACTLY what you are criticizing!

Your turn now............ what are YOU doing?
by finkfurst November 8, 2009 5:43 AM EST
Whydowe - Your turn now............ what are YOU doing?
----------------------
As I expected, no reply.
by Whydowe November 8, 2009 9:11 AM EST
Keep your pants on, finkfurst. What I do has no relevance here because I don't go around blaming an entire country or an entire group of people for what a few do or don't do. If you choose to publicly criticize ALL Americans or any other group of people on a public forum, don't be surprised if you anger some people. And, THAT is not offering a "better course of action." I hope you have a good life.
by finkfurst November 9, 2009 10:14 AM EST
by Whydowe November 8, 2009 9:11 AM EST
Keep your pants on, finkfurst. What I do has no relevance here.......
-------------------------
So you do NOTHING! Just as I thought.
by Whydowe November 9, 2009 6:38 PM EST
Goodbye, finkfurst:) Peace be with you.
by jeanniey November 6, 2009 7:29 AM EST
God Bless Little Miss Vargas, I think she could have and did probably save the victims life. I applaud your courage young lady, I do hope you get to meet her, because I am sure she will want to meet & thank you. Keep your strength & honor. You have many great things to do in the future, due to this character building strength.
Reply to this comment
by toldyouso21 November 6, 2009 12:00 AM EST
Thats right--tell EVERYBODY who this girl is and show us what she looks like, that way, the rapists friends and families will know who to gun for when they decide to launch a vendetta for telling on their scummy relatives or gang affiliates. This is why people don't get involved--now don't be surprised if this young lady and her family face harassment for speaking out.

I am glad she spoke out--but I don't think either her name or face should be shone--it could make her and her family, targets.
Reply to this comment
by legacyABQ2 November 6, 2009 9:03 AM EST
why should people live in fear of telling the truth?

No one is going to harm her. Most of the scum are in jail. I doubt they have dedicated friends.
by trojanny November 6, 2009 2:41 PM EST
Yes, she shouldn't have been I. D.'ed.
Happily, I thwarted an armed robbery. People on scene very thankful, and police/news were tactful enough to put it out as "a citizen." However, in this case, Vargas got so famous, I doubt she'll get more than assinine comments, but it is good to keep name & face OUT of the news.
by Whydowe November 5, 2009 6:57 PM EST
1) TO: Margarita Vargas - I applaud you and your courage and your great big heart!! I can tell, and hope, that you will grow up and do something wonderful with your life.

2) TO: finkfurst - Since you seem to delight in critizing ALL Americans, why don't you get up the COURAGE to advise the rest of us where you come from?
Reply to this comment
by finkfurst November 6, 2009 3:28 AM EST
I come from England, and in fact many of my criticisms of Americans also increasingly apply to the British.
by Whydowe November 7, 2009 12:14 AM EST
Finkfurst: There are "people" all over the world who strive to do the "right" thing, then there are those who aren't as courageous or who don't care or who don't know better. But, to "generalize" as you do doesn't help things. It doesn't make the world any better to live in.
by androidboy November 5, 2009 6:54 PM EST
Stuff like this happens in the Congo and Sudan all the time. Where's the rageposting on those atrocities? The bystanders didn't do anything to stop it...sounds like the US, standing by while these things happen as part of an overall strategy by some african dictator. My question is, are you willing to send your kids (our soldiers) over to africa to stop that rape?

Crystal clear moral decisions made muddier by the AndroidBoy.
Reply to this comment
by adaynthelife November 5, 2009 10:05 PM EST
For many reasons, I cannot take this comment very seriously. Yes, this doesn't just happen in the US, but I think reports of similar atrocities wouldn't get much attention, unless it involved US citizens, and sure, there's a major problem with that. What's so incredible about this story is that people not only didn't do anything to stop or help, they were laughing and taking pictures, and all of this happened OUTSIDE of a high school, where students are supposed to be made to feel safe and protected.
by bobnjersey November 6, 2009 1:02 AM EST
[the AndroidBoy]

did you say 'the androidboy'?
by anrkst2 November 5, 2009 5:45 PM EST
what does this say about all those male scumbag thugs -- numerous of whom were adults and who stood around and watched while a single young teenage girl had more gonads, courage and backbone than any of those knuckle-dragging, TYPICAL cowardly males who are more interested in their violence and terrorizing females than in doing anything good in life. lock them all up and throw away the keys. then let bubba, hakim and guillermo the prison gang members have at 'em.

total coward scumbags -- a bunch of latents.
Reply to this comment
by tjl456 November 5, 2009 3:51 PM EST
I hope somebody has got this young ladies back because everybody knows what she looks like now..... Good job CBS
Reply to this comment
by Virgil-1 November 5, 2009 3:44 PM EST
I would suppose they will have to question her to make sure she was really raped.She will have to talk with a Psychologist to see if she was really there when it happened.Run tests,ask more stupid questions,take finger prints.You know the system!Dollar signs
every where.All this,when a public lynching in the public square would be suffice.
Lets do away with kangaroo courts and the ACLU.
Reply to this comment
by bobnjersey November 6, 2009 1:03 AM EST
[Lets do away with kangaroo courts and the ACLU. ]

what should we use instead?
by legacyABQ2 November 6, 2009 9:06 AM EST
do away with the courts, and you will then GET kangaroo courts! Thats the point. Dont be crazy. We must use courts and the rule of law, not rage and the rule of men (and women).
by legacyABQ2 November 5, 2009 2:36 PM EST
What Finkfurst, with incredible irony, cannot grasp is that her/his attitude towards Americans in general represents the EXACT kind of prejudicial smug thinking that SHE/HE is trying to characacterize *us* as having towards "the rest of the world".

If you and many others like you just happened to live in the biggest economy in the world, I'm sure you would be perceived the same way.. You think you posess the "TRUTH", like you claim we think we do...

But really you are just as short-sighted, arrogant, and prejudiced in your assessments as any war-mongering american you so confidently put-down..

Only ignorant and dumb people make such broad sweeping generalizations as you do about the USA... Can't you see that?

This is a BIG BIG country.. Judging us by news articles is the definition of immaturity and ignorance; the very thing you accuse us of.

YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MAKES YOU??

...A BIG FAT HYPOCRITE!!
Reply to this comment
by legacyABQ2 November 5, 2009 2:42 PM EST
What country are YOU from FINKFURST?

I'd like to know if your government can really claim its hands are clean..

It wouldnt be France Great Britain or Germany would it?

Or S. Africa?

DONT MAKE ME LAUGH

Oppression is everywhere. Dont blame the people for their government's actions.

Where's your sense of FAIR PLAY? Critical thinking?
I thought those things, lacking in the USA(according to you) were IMPORTANT?

Eh hypocrite??

Hateful FOOL.. You're not helping anyone by pointing fingers at the American citizens..

MANY MANY MANY of us are very good, educated, caring people. If YOU were good, educated, or caring, you would ALREADY know that.

But you're not.. So go away and post on a board in your own great country, mmm??
by lmartink November 5, 2009 3:19 PM EST
With all the controversy and cover-ups, I'm wondering why the media chose to publish this young woman's picture. I'm both proud of her and grateful for contacting police, but who is going to watch out for her?
by finkfurst November 5, 2009 3:45 PM EST
by legacyABQ2 November 5, 2009 2:36 PM EST
What Finkfurst, with incredible irony, cannot grasp is that her/his attitude towards Americans in general represents the EXACT kind of prejudicial smug thinking that SHE/HE is trying to characacterize *us* as having towards "the rest of the world".
--------------------
At least ONE of you is starting to grasp the idea! So where does that idea lead you ..................?
by SteveOrKnocks November 6, 2009 12:04 AM EST
"At least ONE of you is starting to grasp the idea! So where does that idea lead you ..................?"

To the conclusion that finkfurst is an unimaginative troll.
See all 106 Comments

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