Franklin Frankie John Vargas was 24 when he was shot and killed in front of his Modesto home on July 29, 2013. The attack occurred about 6 PM, shortly after he returned from work as head candy maker at Sconza Candy in Oakdale. Frankie had just changed out of his work shoes and was preparing to visit a military recruiter to pursue a career in auto mechanics when multiple gunshots rang out near the family driveway.

Frankie was found in the driveway, struck by several bullets, and later died at the hospital. Investigators described the incident as appearing to be a drive-by shooting; witnesses reported seeing an older jeep leaving the area, but no solid leads have emerged. Police say Frankie was not involved in criminal activity or gang affiliations.

His mother, Kelly Vargas, organized memorials and helped raise a combined reward of $6,000 for information leading to an arrest. The Modesto Police Department continues to list the case as unsolved, and the Modesto Guardian Angels have worked to keep awareness alive. If anyone in the community remembers an older jeep or has information about that evening, can you come forward to help the family find answers?