FBI increases reward for 'Top 10 Most Wanted' fugitive to $1M

(WASHINGTON) -- The FBI is now offering $1 million for information leading to the arrest of one of its "Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives."

Omar Alexander Cardenas is wanted by local and federal authorities for a 2019 murder in Los Angeles.

Cardenas is accused of firing several rounds at the victim, Jabali Dumas, at a barber shop on Aug. 15, 2019, according to the FBI. Dumas was struck in the head and died, authorities said.

Cardenas has "known gang affiliations," and the shooting is believed to have been gang-related, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. 

A local arrest warrant was issued for Cardenas in April 2020 after he was charged with murder, the FBI said. He is believed to have possibly fled to Mexico and has also been federally charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, according to the FBI.

The FBI initially offered a $100,000 reward for information on Cardenas' whereabouts when he was added to its "Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list in 2022. The reward, which subsequently increased to $250,000, has now surged to $1 million, the FBI announced on Tuesday.

McDonnell called the new reward a "critical step forward" in the case.

"We believe that someone knows Omar Cardenas' whereabouts, and we're urging anyone with information to please come forward," the chief said during a press briefing on Tuesday. "Our mission is clear -- to locate and apprehend Cardenas and bring justice for the Dumas family."

Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI Los Angeles field office, said the U.S.' relationship with the government of Mexico "has never been stronger," pointing to the recent apprehension in Mexico of another "Most Wanted" fugitive -- former Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin Ryan Wedding.

Davis shared a message directed at Cardenas.

"Mexico is not safe for you. Mr. Cardenas, if that's where you're hiding," Davis said during the briefing. "I have full faith in this task force that they will bring you to justice."

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