January 1, FBI Adds 2021 Soldier Ambush Killer to Ten Most Wanted List With Million-Dollar Bounty

Wyatt’s Take

• The FBI is finally treating the cold-blooded ambush killing of an Illinois Army National Guardsman with the seriousness it deserves by placing the suspect on its Ten Most Wanted list.
• Offering a million-dollar reward shows the agency recognizes the brutal attack on one of our own defenders of the homeland demands full resources and attention.
• This move brings renewed hope that justice will finally be served for the family and fellow soldiers left behind.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has placed a fugitive on its Ten Most Wanted list in connection with the 2021 ambush murder of an Illinois Army National Guard soldier.

The move comes with a one-million-dollar reward for information leading to the suspect’s capture.

The #FBI has added Joseph Matos to its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List. He is #wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of a National Guard member in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, on July 3, 2021. A reward of up to $1,000,000 is offered for… pic.twitter.com/OazaOp7gxE

— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) October 20, 2026

The FBI says the reward underscores its commitment to bringing the killer to justice after years of searching.

“The FBI remains steadfast in its pursuit of this dangerous fugitive,” an agency statement read.

Officials describe the ambush as a targeted attack on a service member who had dedicated his life to protecting the nation.

The suspect’s addition to the list signals that authorities believe he poses an ongoing threat to public safety.

Investigators continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, noting the substantial reward is designed to encourage tips that could finally close the case.

Wyatt Matters

Our National Guard members stand ready to defend their communities and country at a moment’s notice, and when one of them is gunned down in an ambush, the entire heartland feels the loss; pursuing his killer with every available resource is the least we owe those who wear the uniform.