BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — A Brooklyn man received a 12-year prison sentence Thursday after fatally stabbing a man to death in a fight over $8, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office.
Rafael Vargas, 46, was convicted last month of first-degree manslaughter in the 2013 death of 39-year-old Anthony Dash in East Williamsburg. Vargas’ son, Richie, pleaded guilty to assault for his role in the attack.
“This defendant showed a callous disregard for life when he fatally stabbed the victim — who had already been knocked to the ground," Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson said in a statement Thursday.
The attack occurred on Feb. 1, 2013 when Richie Vargas sought to buy crack cocaine from an individual near the Cooper Park Housing Development in East Williamsburg, according to officials.
The victim was with him during the incident, during which Richie Vargas held out $8. Dash grabbed the money, saying he was “owed,” the District Attorney said.
After leaving the area, Richie Vargas returned with his father to confront the man. The son punched Dash in the head and body, according to officials.
Rafael Vargas, of 73 Nostrand Ave. in Bed-Stuy, began slashing at the victim, stabbing him in the thigh and cutting his femoral artery, the DA said.
Dash died at Woodhull Hospital Center.
In addition to his prison sentence, Rafael Vargas is subject to five years of post-release supervision. His son is expected to be sentenced in January 2015.
