FBI ADDS JOSEPH “TROUBLES” MATOS TO TEN MOST WANTED LIST, INCREASES REWARD TO $1 MILLION IN MURDER OF NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — The FBI has added Joseph “Troubles” Matos to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, increasing the reward for information leading to his arrest to $1 million in connection with the July 2021 killing of Army National Guard soldier Chrys Carvajal. The October 20, 2026, announcement represents a major escalation in the federal search for Matos, who has remained a fugitive since authorities attempted to arrest him on federal murder charges in May 2024.

Matos, 44, is wanted on charges of murder in aid of racketeering and murder through the use of a firearm. Federal investigators believe he participated in the fatal shooting of Carvajal on Chicago’s North Side during the Independence Day weekend of 2021. His placement on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list makes him the 544th individual added to the program since its establishment in 1950.

The new $1 million reward represents a twentyfold increase over the $50,000 previously offered. The Realist Juggernaut reported on the earlier reward increase in April 2026 and revisited the unresolved investigation on July 3, the fifth anniversary of Carvajal’s death. The latest development brings substantially greater national attention to a case that has remained unresolved for more than five years.

According to the FBI, Carvajal was killed on July 3, 2021, while walking to his vehicle during a weekend that should have marked a celebration of his recent graduation from Army National Guard basic training. Federal authorities allege that Matos and another gang member opened fire on Carvajal, fatally wounding him.

The Chicago Police Department initially investigated the homicide before the case developed into a joint federal investigation involving the FBI. Investigators subsequently connected the alleged killing to activity involving the Milwaukee Kings, a street gang operating on Chicago’s North Side.

Matos is believed to be affiliated with the Milwaukee Kings, whose members and associates have been linked by federal investigators to narcotics trafficking, murder, assault, and other violent offenses associated with maintaining territorial control. The federal charges against Matos allege a connection between Carvajal’s killing and racketeering-related criminal activity.

On May 14, 2024, federal authorities charged Matos with murder in aid of racketeering and murder through the use of a firearm in the Northern District of Illinois. A federal arrest warrant was subsequently issued, leading to coordinated operations by FBI Chicago SWAT personnel and local law enforcement agencies.

During those operations, authorities sought Matos and Gary Roberson, another individual associated with the investigation. Roberson was taken into custody without incident, but Matos was not located. He has remained at large since that time.

The FBI’s latest assessment indicates that Matos may still be hiding in the greater Chicago area. Investigators have also identified connections to Dallas, Texas, and California, expanding the geographic considerations relevant to the continuing search. Authorities have not publicly established his current location.

The FBI describes Matos as a Hispanic male standing approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has several distinctive tattoos that could assist members of the public in identifying him.

Those 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, and “Trust no one” on his left hand. Additional tattoos include “MOST WANTED” across his abdomen and “Heavensent, Hellbound” on his arms.

Federal investigators warn that Matos should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who believes they have encountered him is urged not to approach or attempt to detain him, but instead to contact law enforcement.

Ryan Whalen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, announced Matos’s addition to the Ten Most Wanted list and emphasized the expanded public exposure the designation provides. The announcement also acknowledged the cooperation of the Chicago Police Department, federal prosecutors working under U.S. Attorney Andrew Butros, and Carvajal’s family, whose efforts have helped maintain attention on the unresolved homicide.

The Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program is among the FBI’s most widely recognized public identification initiatives. It uses national and international publicity to generate information about fugitives accused of serious crimes who have avoided apprehension.

According to the bureau, 504 of the 544 fugitives added to the list since its establishment have been apprehended or located, representing a historical recovery rate exceeding 92%. The FBI also reported that eight individuals on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list have been captured since Director Kash Patel assumed leadership of the bureau.

The designation does not create new criminal charges against Matos, but it significantly expands the visibility of the existing investigation and the financial incentive available to individuals possessing information that could lead authorities to him.

Federal authorities have not announced any additional charges against Matos in connection with the October 20 designation. The allegations contained in the existing federal case remain unresolved, and Matos is presumed innocent unless and until his guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI is also warning that individuals who knowingly assist Matos in avoiding arrest could face federal criminal consequences. Harboring or concealing a fugitive under circumstances prohibited by federal law can constitute a separate offense, regardless of the ultimate outcome of the underlying homicide prosecution.

With Matos now among the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives and the reward increased to $1 million, investigators are renewing their request for information from anyone who may know his location, movements, associates, or circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Information can be provided to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), through a local FBI field office, or through the nearest American embassy or consulate for individuals outside the United States. The bureau accepts anonymous tips.

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