BI Raises Reward in Chrys Carvajal Murder Case
Alleged gang member Joseph Matos sought in 2021 shooting of National Guard member
Chrys Carvajal was on leave from the Army National Guard on July 3, 2021, when he was approached by Joseph Matos and another alleged Milwaukee Kings gang member on Chicago’s North Side. He was fatally shot.
Nearly five years after 19-year-old Chrys Carvajal was gunned down in a senseless act of gang violence, the FBI is renewing its call for justice with an increased reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of fugitive Joseph Matos.
Carvajal had recently completed Army National Guard basic training and returned home to Chicago to spend Fourth of July weekend with family and friends. On July 3, 2021, as he walked to his vehicle after attending a party in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on the city’s North Side, investigators say he was approached by Matos and Gary Roberson, two alleged members of the Milwaukee Kings street gang, and fatally shot.
Authorities allege the attack was likely committed to enhance the shooters’ standing within the gang.
“Chrys Carvajal had no gang affiliation whatsoever,” said FBI Chicago Supervisory Special Agent Michael Zoufal, who heads the Bureau’s Second City Gang Task Force, which is investigating the case. “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.”
Joseph Matos has the following tattoos: “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” on his belly; “Heavensent” and “Hellbound” on his forearms; and “Jesus Christopher Matos” on his chest.
Following a yearslong investigation, the FBI and its law enforcement partners charged Matos and Roberson with murder in aid of racketeering and related firearms offenses in 2024. Roberson was arrested and remains in federal custody awaiting trial. Matos, however, has remained a fugitive.
“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.”
Investigators believe someone within Matos’ circle may be helping him evade capture.
“He’s been away for so long now,” said Gabrielle Szlenkier, the Chicago FBI public affairs officer who has been working with case agents to publicize the nearly five-year-old case. “Someone is clearly helping him stay hidden. We’re hopeful this increased reward will provide that final piece of the puzzle.”
The investigation has included national and local media campaigns, appearances on “America’s Most Wanted,” and outreach in both English and Spanish. Despite those efforts, Matos remains at large.
Investigators say Matos is a longtime member of the Milwaukee Kings, a violent Chicago street gang with hundreds of members that has operated for decades on the city’s Northwest Side. The gang, an offshoot of the Chicago-based Latin Kings, takes its name from Milwaukee Avenue—the major Chicago thoroughfare where it has long maintained a presence.
“The Milwaukee Kings are a pretty violent group,” Zoufal said. “They use violence to control their territory and support their drug-trafficking business.”
“We’re hopeful the increased reward may encourage people who know where Joseph Matos is to come forward.”
Michael Zoufal, supervisory special agent, FBI Chicago
Matos, who also goes by the nickname “Troubles,” has gang-related tattoos on his neck and arms, including references to Milwaukee Kings. He also has prominent script tattoos, including phrases such as “Most Wanted” across his torso, and “Heaven Sent” and “Hellbound” on both of his forearms, which may be visible when he isn’t wearing a shirt. Agents believe the markings could make him recognizable even years after his last confirmed sightings.
As another anniversary approaches, investigators say they remain focused not only on finding Matos, but also on delivering justice to a family that has spent five years mourning an extraordinary young man.
“Chrys Carvajal had the courage to join our armed forces at just 19 years old,” said FBI Special Agent Latrelle Irvin, the lead agent on the case. “He was willing to serve not only his community, but his country. That speaks volumes about his character.”
The anniversary is especially painful for Carvajal’s family. He was killed on July 3, and his birthday falls less than a week later, on July 9.
“Every year, they mourn his death, and then, just days later, they’re reminded he should be celebrating another birthday,” Irvin said. “He would have been 25 this year.”
Investigators say the Carvajal family has been an unwavering partner throughout the investigation, helping keep attention on the case and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
Although investigators have pursued leads in several states—including Texas—they continue to ask the public not to dismiss any information that could help locate Matos.
“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’ whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Five years after Chrys Carvajal’s murder, investigators believe one phone call could finally bring his family the justice they have been waiting for.
“Chrys Carvajal had the courage to join our armed forces at just 19 years old. He was willing to serve not only his community, but his country. That speaks volumes about his character.”
Latrelle Irvin, special agent, FBI Chicago
