Texas Border Business
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The FBI has increased the reward to as much as $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of fugitive Joseph Matos, who is wanted in connection with the July 3, 2021, fatal shooting of Army National Guard member Chrys Carvajal in Chicago.
According to investigators, Carvajal, who was 19 years old and home after completing Army National Guard basic training, was on leave for the Fourth of July weekend when he attended a party in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. Authorities allege that as he walked to his vehicle, he was approached by Joseph Matos and Gary Roberson, two alleged members of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, and was fatally shot. Investigators allege the attack was committed to enhance the shooters’ standing within the gang.
“Chrys Carvajal had no gang affiliation whatsoever,” said FBI Chicago Supervisory Special Agent Michael Zoufal, who leads the bureau’s Second City Gang Task Force. “He wasn’t known to these individuals. There was no connection. Unfortunately, it was simply a tragic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
See the gallery below for Four images of fugitive Joseph Matos showing the tattoos on his arms and chest. According to the FBI, his distinctive tattoos are among the identifying features investigators say could help the public recognize him. Photos courtesy of the FBI.
The FBI and its law enforcement partners charged Matos and Roberson in 2024 with murder in aid of racketeering and related firearms offenses following what authorities described as a yearslong investigation. Roberson was arrested and remains in federal custody awaiting trial. Matos remains a fugitive.
“We’re hopeful the increased reward may encourage people who know where Joseph Matos is to come forward,” Zoufal said. “Fifty thousand dollars is a significant amount of money. If someone has been afraid of retaliation, this reward could help remove that barrier.”
Investigators said they believe someone within Matos’ circle may be helping him avoid capture.
“He’s been away for so long now,” said Gabrielle Szlenkier, the Chicago FBI public affairs officer working with case agents on the investigation. “Someone is clearly helping him stay hidden. We’re hopeful this increased reward will provide that final piece of the puzzle.”
According to investigators, the search for Matos has included national and local media campaigns, appearances on “America’s Most Wanted,” and outreach in English and Spanish. Despite those efforts, authorities said he remains at large.
Investigators described Matos, who also uses the nickname “Troubles,” as a longtime member of the Milwaukee Kings, a Chicago street gang that authorities say has operated for decades on the city’s Northwest Side. The FBI said Matos has tattoos that include “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 torso, “Heavensent” and “Hellbound” on his forearms, and “Jesus Christopher Matos” on his chest.
“The Milwaukee Kings are a pretty violent group,” Zoufal said. “They use violence to control their territory and support their drug-trafficking business.”
FBI Special Agent Latrelle Irvin said investigators remain committed to seeking justice for Carvajal and his family.
“Chrys Carvajal had the courage to join our armed forces at just 19 years old,” Irvin said. “He was willing to serve not only his community, but his country. That speaks volumes about his character.”
Irvin noted that the anniversary of Carvajal’s death on July 3 is followed less than a week later by his birthday on July 9.
“Every year, they mourn his death, and then, just days later, they’re reminded he should be celebrating another birthday,” Irvin said. “He would have been 25 this year.”
According to investigators, leads have been pursued in several states, including Texas, and authorities continue to ask the public to report any information that could help locate Matos.
“We’re actively trying to develop any leads we can about Mr. Matos’ whereabouts,” Zoufal said. “If we knew where he was, we’d go get him. That’s why we’re asking anyone with information to come forward.”
The FBI encourages anyone with information about Matos’ whereabouts to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Authorities said tips may be submitted anonymously.
Resources
- JOSEPH MATOS
- FBI Chicago Announces Reward of Up to $50,000 for Information Leading to Arrest and Conviction of Joseph “Troubles” Matos
