A Chicago gang member accused of murdering a 19-year-old National Guard soldier to boost his street credibility now carries a $1 million bounty on his head, marking one of the FBI’s highest-priority manhunts in the nation.

Random Killing Destroys Military Family

Joseph Matos, known as “Troubles,” stands accused of gunning down Chrys Carvajal on July 3, 2021, as the young guardsman walked to his car after a Fourth of July party in Chicago’s Belmont Cragin neighborhood. Carvajal had just completed basic training and returned home to celebrate with friends. He had no criminal record and zero gang connections. Federal investigators determined the attack served no purpose beyond elevating the shooters’ status within the Milwaukee Kings street gang operating on the city’s north side.

The FBI elevated Matos to its Top 10 Most Wanted list on Tuesday, raising the reward from $50,000 to $1 million for information leading to his capture. An arrest warrant issued in May 2024 named both Matos and associate Gary Roberson. Authorities captured Roberson days later, but Matos disappeared and remains at large despite a nationwide search spanning nearly four years.

FBI Chicago

@FBIChicago

This morning, #FBIChicago Special Agent in Charge Ryan Whalen announced the addition of Joseph Matos to the @FBIMostWanted Fugitives list, Fugitives list, bringing the reward amount up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest. Matos is wanted in connection for his

5:57 PM · Oct 20, 2026

Ironic Tattoos May Aid Capture

FBI Chicago Special Agent Ryan Whalen highlighted Matos’s distinctive body art during Tuesday’s press conference, noting the 44-year-old suspect “unironically” has the words “MOST WANTED” tattooed across his stomach. Additional identifying marks include “M-Town Kings” on his right neck, “1300” on his left neck, “Heavensent, Hellbound” on both forearms, “Move in Silence” on his right hand, and “Trust no one” on his left hand. Whalen warned anyone sheltering Matos faces serious federal charges for harboring a fugitive.

Federal authorities believe Matos remains in the greater Chicago area, though he maintains connections to Texas and California. Whalen addressed the fugitive directly: “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.”

Family Demands Accountability

Jennifer Ramirez, Carvajal’s sister, spoke through tears at the press conference, remembering her brother as a loving son and loyal friend whose life purpose centered on serving his community and country. She urged citizens with information to come forward, emphasizing that justice would prove her brother’s life mattered and honor his sacrifice. Ramirez called for an end to senseless gun violence that destroys innocent families. The case underscores how gang activity continues devastating American communities, claiming lives of patriots dedicated to defending constitutional freedoms while criminals exploit legal protections designed for the innocent.