NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Four people were charged in connection with the murder of a man in a Bronx shopping center parking lot, carried out in front of his wife, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Ivan Collado, Patricia Villalba (also known as “Patty” and “Sweetz”), Arecio Collado, and Jerry Vargas (known as “Peligro”) face charges including cyberstalking resulting in death, murder with a firearm, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, and narcotics conspiracy, according to U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon for the Southern District of New York.
According to court documents, between November 2023 and February 2024, the investigation found that Collado, Villalba, and Arecio were allegedly involved in distributing large quantities of cocaine in New York City and beyond.
As part of the operation, a drug dealer, identified as CC-1, was supplied cocaine on consignment with assistance from Raymond Resto, the victim. When CC-1 failed to repay the debt, the group allegedly resorted to threats and intimidation, pressuring him for payment and attempting to track down his customers.
Investigators said that in the days leading up to the murder, the suspects, along with Vargas, surveilled Resto, tracking his movements and even placing a GPS device on his car.
On Nov. 26, 2023, Resto, 49, was in the parking lot of the Throggs Neck Shopping Center with his wife when a BMW blocked their exit. Three armed men attempted to force Resto into the car before opening fire at close range. Resto struggled to escape, but another gunman also opened fire. He was shot at least four times and later died at a local hospital.
Following the execution-style killing, Collado, Villalba, and Arecio allegedly intensified their efforts to stalk, harass, and intimidate CC-1 and his family.
All four suspects face life in prison if convicted on charges that include cyberstalking resulting in death, conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death, and murder with a firearm. Villalba and Collado also face additional charges for making false statements, prosecutors said.