Mother dies after son allegedly pushes her from 2nd-story window

VAN NUYS >> Even as the yellow crime tape came down, investigators Monday afternoon sought more clues to why a man would allegedly push his mother from a second-story window of their apartment and then go downstairs to continue his ultimately fatal assault on her.

Police said it was an argument that occurred about 3 a.m. in the 7400 block of Hazeltine Avenue that led to Fernando Vargas, 40, pushing Carlota Vargas from their apartment.
He then jumped from the window and attacked his mother on the ground, Los Angeles police Officer Norma Eisenman said.

A man who lives below the apartment where the incident occurred said he was awakened when he heard a thump. He said he then heard screaming.
The man, who did not want to give his name, looked out the front window and saw his upstairs neighbor in the driveway in front of a gated parking area with her son standing over her.

“He looked up to me and said, ‘I’m sorry. Her head is made of metal; she won’t die.’ And then, he stomped on her head,” the witness said.
She was taken to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.
Her son was treated for a heel fracture and arrested on suspicion of murder, police said.

The pair reportedly had lived in their apartment for about 10 years.
The witness also said the apartment complex was the quietest on the block.

“Until now,” he added.