Dorangel Vargas Venezuelan serial killer and cannibal Country: Venezuela

1. Biography of Dorangel Vargas
2. Crimes and Capture
3. Media Attention
4. Taste Preferences
5. Doubts and Speculations

Biography of Dorangel Vargas

Dorangel Vargas, also known by the nicknames "El comegente" (The People-Eater) and "Hannibal Lecter of the Andes," was a Venezuelan serial killer and cannibal. He was born in 1957 in Venezuela and grew up as a homeless child in the city of San Cristobal Táchira State.

Crimes and Capture

Vargas was notorious for hunting down pedestrians in the park of San Cristobal, where he would kill and consume them. In 1999, he was finally apprehended after a two-year spree. He confessed to the police that he had killed and eaten at least 10 people during that time.

Media Attention

The media in Venezuela, a country with a history of cannibalism, became captivated by Vargas' story. He was captured in February 1999 near the Colombian border. In interviews with journalists, Vargas openly admitted to his crimes, stating, "Of course, I ate people." He went on to explain that anyone could eat human flesh, as long as it was properly cleaned and cooked to avoid any potential diseases.

Taste Preferences

Vargas revealed that he particularly enjoyed the taste of muscles, specifically thighs and calves. He claimed to make delicious stews with human tongues and used eyes to prepare nutritious soups. However, he stated that he drew the line at eating hands, feet, or genitals, although he admitted being tempted to try them. He also mentioned avoiding overweight individuals due to their high cholesterol content and elderly people because their flesh was "dirty and tough."

Doubts and Speculations

Despite the numerous bones found buried near Vargas' shack, many doubted the veracity of his confessions. Some believe that he may have been used as a scapegoat to protect those involved in the illegal trade of human organs. The Congress announced plans to investigate claims that Vargas had been a former psychiatric patient who had been arrested four years earlier on similar charges but was subsequently released.