Plea Delayed in Slaying of San Bruno Man

The two men accused of killing 23-year-old Christopher Chastain, one of them , delayed entering a plea today.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge John Grandsaert ordered Thompson, 26, and San Bruno resident Nicholas Vargas, 24, back to court on May 2 after the attorneys representing both men requested that the arraignment be postponed.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, on April 10 the three men were at Vargas’ parents’ home on Cypress Avenue in San Bruno when an argument went horribly wrong. At some point Vargas, whom family members said knew Chastain since they were kids, struck Chastain with a pipe wrench while Thompson stabbed him with a knife, authorities claim.

Authorities say the men dragged Chastain outside of the house and tried to put him in the trunk of Vargas’ car, which was parked in the driveway, leaving a trail of blood along the way. However, Chastain’s 6-foot-5 frame was too heavy for them, so they left him on the ground, according to the district attorney’s office.

Police arrested Vargas shortly afterward and caught Thompson, a parolee who had allegedly fled the scene, the next day. The homicide was San Bruno's first of the year.

Vargas, who appeared in court today shackled and in an orange jumpsuit, and Thompson are being held in San Mateo County Jail without bail.

Chastain leaves behind a 3-year-old son.