José Dorángel Vargas Gómez was born on May 14, 1957, in Caño Zancudo, Mérida, Venezuela. He was born to poor farmers who struggled to make ends meet. He had a difficult childhood and faced social and economic hardships. Despite these difficulties, he engaged in minor offenses, leading to his first arrests. He was caught stealing chickens and cattle, which were offenses linked to the struggle for survival in a tough environment.

In 1995, Vargas was arrested for a more serious crime and was placed in the Institute of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Peribeca. After this incident, he was released, as he seemed to show signs of being mentally stable. After his release, he lived a life of poverty. He became homeless and was often seen in the streets. 
 

José Dorángel Vargas Gómez, known as "El comegente," was linked to a series of murders in Venezuela. The killings are believed to have happened between November 1998 and January 1999. Vargas targeted unsuspecting men, often athletes and laborers, using a tube-shaped spear or rocks to hunt them down. He kept parts of the bodies that he could cook, while he typically buried the feet, hands, and heads of his victims.

On February 12, 1999, authorities discovered the remains of two young people, which led to a more extensive search in the area. During this investigation, they found the remains of six additional bodies, prompting various theories about the origins of the bodies. Some suggested they could be linked to drug gangs or even Satanic rituals. The victims were later confirmed to be missing persons.
 

As the investigation progressed, Vargas emerged as a suspect. When police inspected the shack where he lived, they found multiple containers with human flesh and visceral organs that were prepared for eating. They also discovered three human heads along with additional hands and feet.

In 2016, while incarcerated, Vargas was involved in a prison riot. During this event, he killed two inmates and reportedly served their remains to other prisoners. This incident added another layer to his criminal history and notoriety.