Cannibal killer dubbed 'People Eater' murdered victims and served them to jail inmates

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José Dorángel Vargas Gomez, better known as Dorángel Vargas or the "People Eater," is one of Venezuela's most infamous criminals. ‌

His chilling tale spans from a troubled upbringing in rural Mérida to horrific murders on the streets and, decades later, a horrifying prison riot that resulted in the death of inmates who were allegedly used as food for others. ‌

Vargas was born on 14 May 1957, in the small village of Caño Zancudo, Mérida, into a family of impoverished farmers. His parents were associated with the Venezuelan Liberation Forces, patrolling the borderlands alongside guerillas. ‌

Locals later alleged that Vargas was "possessed by evil spirits" from an early age. His formal education ended at sixth grade.

As a young adult, Vargas distanced himself from hi