FBI Intensifies Search for Fugitive in Soldier’s Murder Case

The FBI has ramped up its efforts to find a suspect linked to the 2021 ambush shooting of an Illinois National Guard soldier, placing him on the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list and offering a reward of $1 million for information leading to his capture.

Joseph “Troubles” Matos, 44, is wanted for the death of Private First Class Chrys Carvajal, 19, who was shot in Chicago. Authorities believe that increasing the reward might encourage someone with knowledge of the case to come forward.

The tragic incident occurred over the Fourth of July weekend, specifically on July 3, 2021, in the Belmont Cragin area of Chicago. Carvajal had just finished basic training and was set to join a transportation unit in Riverside, Illinois, when he was shot while walking back to his parked car after a family gathering.

Federal prosecutors claim that Matos, reportedly a member of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, along with his co-defendant Gary “Gotti” Roberson, targeted Carvajal for no particular reason. It seems the soldier, who did not have any gang connections, was simply in the wrong place at a bad time.

He was killed at the corner of Lockwood Avenue and Palmer Street in what authorities characterize as an unprovoked act of gang violence aimed at asserting dominance in the area.

While Roberson was captured in 2024 and is currently facing federal charges, Matos has managed to evade law enforcement. There are indications that he may be receiving help to stay hidden, with suspicions that he could still be in Chicago, though he might also have ties to Dallas and California.

The FBI has provided physical descriptions of Matos, noting that he is approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs around 220 pounds, and has notable tattoos, such as “M-Town Kings” on his neck, “MOST WANTED” on his abdomen, and “Trust no one” on his hand.

The dramatic rise in the reward, increasing from $50,000 to $1 million, underscores both the seriousness of the federal charges and the investigators’ determination to secure justice for Carvajal’s family.

Carvajal’s family has tirelessly held memorials and community vigils, urging anyone with information to come forward despite possible fears of retaliation.

The FBI reminds the public that tips can be made anonymously through tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, encouraging anyone who recognizes Matos to assist in resolving a case that took the life of a young serviceman.