Crime & Law
FBI Announces $50K Reward for Information in 2021 Killing of National Guardsman in Chicago
Lourdes Lara tends to the grave of her son, Chrys Carvajal, who was shot and killed in July 2021. (WTTW News)
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that helps lead to the arrest of a man they say is responsible for the fatal shooting of an Illinois National Guardsman in Chicago nearly five years ago.
The Chicago branch of the FBI on Tuesday said it is still seeking to arrest Joseph Matos, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the 2021 killing of 19-year-old Chrys Carvajal.
According to the FBI, Matos is believed to be a member of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, and he and another reputed gang member allegedly shot Carvajal as he was walking to his car following a party over the Fourth of July weekend.
Carvajal had graduated from National Guard training and was set to be stationed at a military base in Riverside.
“(Carvajal) was new to the Illinois National Guard and was to be assigned to a transportation unit. He had recently completed Army basic training,” Lt. Col. Brad Leighton told CNN after the shooting. “Our hearts go out Pvt. 1st Class Carvajal’s family and friends.”
Carvajal’s family previously announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. His family told WTTW News in 2022 that detectives collected evidence, including witness testimony, but Cook County prosecutors declined to press charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Two years later in 2024, Matos and another man, Gary Roberson, were indicted on federal racketeering charges stemming from Carvajal’s killing.
Roberson, 42, was arrested that year and is currently being held in Chicago’s federal prison awaiting trial. Matos remains at large.
Tips can be submitted to the FBI at either tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Joanna Hernandez and CNN contributed to this report.
