A fugitive charged in the 2021 murder of Illinois Army National Guardsman Chrys Carvajal has been added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted List," and the reward for his arrest and conviction has been increased to $1 million.
Carvajal, 19, was shot and killed after returning home from military training. Since then, his family has been fighting for justice.
Carvajal had just returned home from basic training with the Army National Guard basic training. Police said he was walking to his car after leaving a party in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood over the Fourth of July weekend when he was shot and killed.
In July 2024, Joseph Matos and Gary Roberson were indicted on racketeering charges in connection with his death.
Federal prosecutors accuse the two of killing Carvajal to improve their standing in the Milwaukee Kings street gang.
"Chrys had no criminal history and no ties to any gang activity. He was gunned down simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That night, the life of a young man destined to serve and protect our country was extinguished. He was a son, a brother, and a friend. His loss has left a hole in our community ever since," said Ryan Whalen, the FBI Special Agent in Charge of the agency's Chicago office.
Roberson is in custody and awaiting trial, but Matos remains a fugitive.
The FBI originally was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Matos' arrest and conviction, but on Wednesday announced the reward had increased to $1 million.
Carvajal's family joined the FBI on Tuesday to announce the increased reward for Matos' capture and conviction, and said they will never stop fighting for justice for him.
"Chrys was so much more than a name or a case. He was a loving son, a brother, a loyal friend, and a brave young man with a beautiful heart and a purpose in this world," said his sister, Jennifer Ramirez. "His legacy will never be forgotten. Our family will never stop fighting for the justice Chrys deserves."
Matos, 44, is described as a 6-foot-2, 220-pound Hispanic man with brown hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos, incluidng "M-Town Kings" on the right side of his neck, "1300" on the left side of his neck, "Move in Silence" on his right hand," Trust no one" on his left hand, "MOST WANTED" on his stomach, and "Heavensent, Hellbound" on his arms. The FBI said he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
The FBI said Matos has ties to Dallas and California, but is believed to be hiding out in the Chicago area. Whalen said anybody helping to hide Matos could face criminal charges.
The FBI asked anyone with information on Matos' whereabouts to contact their toll-free tipline at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. All information can be submitted anonymously.
"To Joseph Matos, you cannot hide from the FBI. Whether you are close to home or in the furthest corner of the world, the FBI's reach has no limits. Justice will find you," Whalen said.
