U.S. Marshals Arrest Man Wanted for Killing Philadelphia Mother

Philadelphia, PA - On February 22nd, at approximately 6:30 p.m., members of the U.S. Marshals Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force, arrested Abiud Torres, 20, in the 1800 block of Hart Lane in Philadelphia. Torres was wanted for the murder of a 35-year-old woman which occurred December 23rd, 2023, in the 3100 block of Hartville Street. After a verbal dispute, Torres allegedly shot his girlfriend in front of her 11-year-old son and then fled the scene. A warrant for homicide was issued the same day and the warrant was delegated to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in January 2024.

During the course of the investigation, Marshal Service investigators developed information Torres may be frequenting multiple abandoned residences in the Kensington section of Philadelphia. At 6:00 a.m. this morning, more than two dozen investigators from the fugitive task force, assembled to investigate suspected locations Torres was believed to be hiding. At 6:45 a.m., Torres was confirmed to be presently in a home on the 1800 block of Hart Lane. Upon being confronted, Torres complied with officer’s commands and was placed under arrest without incident. Torres was then transported to the Philadelphia Homicide Detective for processing.  

Robert Clark, Supervisory Deputy Marshal stated, “Abiud Torres committed a senseless, tragic crime, against a woman who had her whole life ahead of her. I am hoping this arrest can bring some closure to the Vargas family and all who knew Tatiana Vargas.” 

The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Immigration Customs Enforcement, Chester Police Department, Bucks County Sheriffs, and Delaware County Sheriffs.