Alleged Santa Ana gangbanger pleads not guilty to killing one teen and injuring another in a drive-by shooting

Raymond Mario Jimenez , a 27-year-old Santa Aan resident who allegedly killed a 13-year-old boy and injuring a Daniel Vargas , a 16-year-old bystander during a midday drive-by shooting on June 5, 2024, at midday in front of Lowell Elementary School , pleaded not guilty to special-circumstances murder on Thursday, Aug. 15.

Jimenez also plead not guilty to an additional felony charge of attempted murder for the fatal shooting of Daniel Vargas and also injuring an older teen.

Lowell Elementary School had to be temporarily locked down after the shooting.

It is unusual for an alleged gangbanger to do a drive-by shooting right in front of a school, in broad daylight – targeting kids, but that is exactly what Jimenez is alleged to have done.

Vargas and another 13-year-old appear to have had a confrontation with Jimenez at around 12:15 p.m. on Pine Street. The two victims then ran toward their apartment building, which was a few blocks away on Bishop Avenue. Jimenez then allegedly drove his vehicle right up to the two 13-year-olds, according to the prosecutors. He then stopped and fired his gun, apparently very near to Lowell Elementary School.

Vargas was struck in the head, prosecutors said. He died a few days later at a local hospital.

The other teen victim was able to avoid the gunfire.

But those were not Jimenez’ only alleged victims. A 16-year-old innocent teen — who appears to have looked out a kitchen window during the shooting — was also struck by a bullet, in the head. He was fortunate to survive.

Vargas was a bright and promising 13-year-old who was just beginning his journey in life, according to a GoFundMe page . He was an extraordinary young teen, known for his passion for soccer and his excitement about starting high school. He had just celebrated his promotion at Mendez Fundamental Intermediate School a week ago and was ready for his next chapter. But his untimely departure has left his family and friends devastated.

The prosecutors are not yet certain as to the exact motive for the shootings. The case is being handled by Senior Deputy District Attorney Mallory Michelle Miller of the OCDA’s TARGET/Gangs Unit

If convicted as charged, Jimenez faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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