FBI Increases Reward to $50,000 for Fugitive Wanted in 2021 Killing of National Guard Soldier (Chicago, IL) – Nearly five years after 19-year-old Army National Guard soldier Chrys Carvajal was fatally shot on Chicago’s Northwest Side, the FBI has increased its reward to up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of fugitive Joseph Matos, who is wanted in connection with the killing.
Carvajal had recently completed Army National Guard basic training and returned home to Chicago to spend the Fourth of July weekend with family and friends. On July 3, 2021, investigators say he was walking to his vehicle after attending a party in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood when he was approached by Matos and another alleged Milwaukee Kings gang member, Gary Roberson, and shot to death.
Federal investigators allege the killing was carried out to elevate the suspects’ standing within the Milwaukee Kings street 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.”
In 2024, federal prosecutors charged Matos and Roberson with murder in aid of racketeering and related firearms offenses following a lengthy investigation. Roberson was arrested and remains in federal custody awaiting trial, while Matos remains a fugitive.
Authorities believe Matos, who also goes by the nickname “Troubles,” has received assistance while evading capture.
“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.”
FBI officials said the investigation has included national and local media campaigns, appearances on “America’s Most Wanted,” and public outreach in both English and Spanish. Despite those efforts, investigators have not located Matos.
According to the FBI, Matos is a longtime member of the Milwaukee Kings, a violent Chicago street gang that has operated for decades on the city’s Northwest Side. Authorities say the group is an offshoot of the Latin Kings and has long maintained a presence along Milwaukee Avenue.
“The Milwaukee Kings are a pretty violent group,” Zoufal said. “They use violence to control their territory and support their drug-trafficking business.”
Investigators say Matos has several distinctive tattoos that could help identify him, including “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 abdomen, “Heavensent” and “Hellbound” on his forearms, and “Jesus Christopher Matos” across his chest.
As the fifth anniversary of the shooting approaches, investigators said they remain committed 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 on the case. “He was willing to serve not only his community, but his country. That speaks volumes about his character.”
The anniversary carries added significance for Carvajal’s loved ones. He was killed on July 3, and his birthday falls just days later on July 9. He would have turned 25 this year.
Investigators say they have pursued leads in multiple states, including Texas, but continue to urge anyone with information not to assume it is insignificant.
“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 about Matos’ location is urged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
FBI Increases Reward to $50,000 for Fugitive Wanted in 2021 Killing of National Guard Soldier
