Tragic Incident in 2021: Discovery of Unresponsive Female

It was Saturday, June 5, 2021, when Rockford Police responded to a distress call for an unresponsive female at the Beacon Hill apartment complex in the 5200 block of Linden Rd. at around 10:26 a.m.

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Upon arrival, Rockford Fire Department personnel found 26-year-old Ashley Ibarra deceased in the apartment. According to the press release, the initial investigation was conducted by the Rockford Police, who began looking into the circumstances surrounding her death.

Following the discovery of Ibarra's body, Rockford Police Detectives interviewed her fiancé, Alejandro Vargas, as part of the investigation. The Winnebago County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Ibarra had a fatal level of fentanyl in her system.

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According to the Rockford PD press release, new evidence was discovered in late 2023, prompting a fresh review of the case. The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office subsequently authorized charges against Vargas, now 33 years old.

Current Status of the Case: Vargas in Custody

Vargas faces accusations of First Degree Murder and Drug-Induced Homicide. He is currently being held in the Illinois Department of Corrections on unrelated charges.

It’s important to note that the charges against him are allegations, and he, like all individuals, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, according to the Rockford Police press release. The legal process will now determine the outcome of these serious charges.

If you have any information regarding this case, contact the Rockford Police Department 815-966-2900, or you can remain anonymous by contacting Rockford Area Crime Stoppers 815-963-7867.

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