- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Round Lake Today
By the People, for the People
Suburban Chicago Man Convicted of Stabbing Victim Over 40 Times
Prosecutors say Jesus Vargas tried to stage the scene to look like self-defense
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 33-year-old suburban Chicago man, Jesus Vargas, was convicted of first-degree murder after prosecutors said he stabbed 37-year-old Brian Mahdee more than 40 times in Round Lake Beach. Vargas allegedly tried to stage the scene to look like self-defense, but jurors rejected that claim after a five-day trial.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges law enforcement and prosecutors face in combating violent crimes, especially when the perpetrator attempts to cover up their actions. The conviction sends a strong message that such brutal attacks will not be tolerated in the community.
The details
Authorities said Vargas attacked Mahdee while he was seated and using his phone, then attempted to clean up the scene and asked others not to call police. Investigators said Vargas gave inconsistent statements about what happened and claimed he was defending himself, but DNA evidence recovered from the weapon was inconsistent with his self-defense claim. Prosecutors called more than a dozen witnesses, including law enforcement, medical personnel, and expert witnesses, to build their case against Vargas.
- In February 2022, police responded to the scene and found Mahdee with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
- The five-day jury trial began on March 2, 2026.
- Vargas' next court hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026.
The players
Jesus Vargas
A 33-year-old suburban Chicago man who was convicted of first-degree murder for stabbing 37-year-old Brian Mahdee more than 40 times.
Brian Mahdee
A 37-year-old man who was fatally stabbed by Jesus Vargas in Round Lake Beach.
Eric Rinehart
The Lake County State's Attorney who said Vargas' guilt was revealed by his inconsistent trial testimony and that the conviction ensures he can never hurt anyone again.
What they’re saying
“Immediately after this unprovoked attack, this offender began lying and attempting to hide his crime. His guilt was further revealed by his wildly inconsistent trial testimony. Despite these efforts, investigators and prosecutors showed the jury the truth of this heinous attack. We will support the victim's family and loved ones while also making sure this offender can never hurt anyone again.”
— Eric Rinehart, Lake County State's Attorney (fox32chicago.com)
What’s next
Following the guilty verdict, a judge revoked Vargas' bond. He faces a potential life sentence, and his next court hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges law enforcement and prosecutors face in combating violent crimes, especially when the perpetrator attempts to cover up their actions. The conviction of Vargas sends a strong message that such brutal attacks will not be tolerated in the community.
