FBI INCREASES REWARD TO $50,000 IN 2021 MURDER OF ARMY NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER AS FUGITIVE REMAINS AT LARGE

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation has increased its reward to up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of fugitive Joseph Matos, renewing its appeal for public assistance as the fifth anniversary of the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Army National Guard soldier Chrys Carvajal approaches.

The FBI announced the increased reward as investigators continue searching for Matos, who remains a federal fugitive nearly five years after Carvajal was fatally shot while visiting family during the Fourth of July weekend in 2021.

According to federal authorities, Carvajal had recently completed Army National Guard basic training and returned home to Chicago to spend the Independence Day holiday with family and friends. On July 3, 2021, he was walking to his vehicle after attending a gathering in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood when investigators allege he was approached by Joseph Matos and Gary Roberson, two alleged members of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, and fatally shot.

Federal investigators allege the attack was committed to elevate 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.”

Following a years-long investigation, federal prosecutors charged Matos and Roberson in 2024 with murder in aid of racketeering and related federal firearms offenses. Roberson was arrested and remains in federal custody awaiting trial. Matos, however, has remained a fugitive since the charges were filed.

The FBI said the reward increase is intended to encourage anyone with information about Matos’ whereabouts to come forward.

“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 believe Matos has received assistance while avoiding capture.

“He’s been away for so long now,” said Gabrielle Szlenkier, public affairs officer for the FBI’s Chicago Field Office. “Someone is clearly helping him stay hidden. We’re hopeful this increased reward will provide that final piece of the puzzle.”

According to the FBI, investigators have pursued leads across multiple states, including Texas, while continuing to receive and evaluate information from the public. The investigation has also included national and local media campaigns, appearances on America’s Most Wanted, and public outreach conducted in both English and Spanish. Despite those efforts, Matos remains at large.

Federal investigators identify Matos as a longtime member of the Milwaukee Kings, a violent Chicago street gang with hundreds of members that has operated for decades on the city’s Northwest Side. According to the FBI, the gang is an offshoot of the Chicago-based Latin Kings and takes its name from Milwaukee Avenue, where it has historically maintained a strong presence.

“The Milwaukee Kings are a pretty violent group,” Zoufal said. “They use violence to control their territory and support their drug-trafficking business.”

Investigators said Matos also uses the nickname “Troubles” and has numerous gang-related tattoos that may assist in identifying him. According to the FBI, the markings 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” across his torso, “Heavensent” and “Hellbound” on his forearms, and “Jesus Christopher Matos” across his chest. Investigators believe the tattoos could make him recognizable even years after his last confirmed sighting.

As another anniversary approaches, federal investigators said they remain committed not only to locating Matos but also to obtaining justice for Carvajal and his family.

“Chrys Carvajal had the courage to join our armed forces at just 19 years old,” said FBI Special Agent Latrelle Irvin, the lead investigator assigned to the case. “He was willing to serve not only his community, but his country. That speaks volumes about his character.”

The anniversary remains especially difficult for Carvajal’s family. He was killed on July 3, 2021, and his birthday falls less than one week later on July 9. According to investigators, he would have celebrated his 25th birthday this year.

“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.”

The FBI said Carvajal’s family has remained an unwavering partner throughout the investigation, helping keep attention focused on the case while continuing to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Although investigators have pursued numerous leads over the past five years, they continue urging the public not to dismiss 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.”

Anyone with information regarding Matos’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or by submitting a tip online through the FBI’s tip reporting system. Tips may be submitted anonymously.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Second City Gang Task Force with assistance from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Because the criminal charges against Joseph Matos remain pending, the allegations against him have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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