CHICAGO — A man who killed his ex-girlfriend shortly after they broke up in February 2022 was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Wednesday.
Umar Ayuba, 25, was found guilty of murder during a bench trial before Judge Ursula Walowski, according to court records. The judge handed him 20 years on the murder charge plus a 25-year enhancement for discharging a firearm during the crime.
Ayuba’s ex, Azucena Vargas, 42, was found shot to death in her car on the 3300 block of West Cuyler late on February 25, 2022. Officials said she and Ayuba had met while working at the same Domino’s pizza restaurant.
Vargas drove home and parked near her home after working at the restaurant that night, but before she got out of the car, Ayuba walked up, shot her one time in the head, took her phone, and drove away in a van, prosecutors alleged. One of Vargas’ relatives later found her body in the car.
Investigators collected a trove of surveillance video evidence that tracked Ayuba’s van before and after the murder. The vehicle, registered to Ayuba’s mother, was seen arriving at the Domino’s and waiting until Vargas’ shift ended. According to prosecutors, it then traveled to the area of Vargas’ home before returning to Ayuba’s residence.
Police executed a search warrant at Ayuba’s home and allegedly found Vargas’ stolen phone in his sock drawer. Shortly after Ayuba was arrested, prosecutors said he admitted that he went to Vargas’ home to talk about their relationship but shot her and took her phone.
Ayuba had no known criminal background before the murder. By law, he must serve 100% of his sentence.
