Omar Alexander Cardenas, 30, has been a prominent figure on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list since his addition in July 2022, sought in connection with a 2019 murder in California and subsequent unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The FBI has reiterated its significant reward of $250,000 for information directly leading to his apprehension, a reward amount updated in May 2023. Cardenas is considered armed and dangerous, prompting a nationwide alert for public assistance.
The charges against Cardenas stem from a fatal incident on August 15, 2019, at the Hair Icon Barber Shop within a shopping center in Sylmar, California, near Los Angeles. He allegedly fired multiple rounds from a handgun, fatally striking 46-year-old Jabali Dumas in the head. A federal arrest warrant was issued on September 2, 2021, after Cardenas was charged with unlawful flight, following a murder charge filed in April 2020.
Cardenas, born in California in March 1995, is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing up to 300 pounds. He often wears prescription glasses and may have a beard, and his appearance may vary. Authorities believe he is a suspected member of the Pierce Street Gang and may have connections to the Pacoima Van Nuys Boys/Anybody Killas, potentially having fled to Mexico or remaining in Southern California where he has family and friends.
His inclusion on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in July 2022 marked him as the 528th individual to be placed on this notorious roster, which boasts a high success rate in apprehending fugitives. The FBI emphasizes that public cooperation is crucial in locating such high-priority individuals. As stated in the tweet, Cardenas
"SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS," underscoring the urgency and potential risk associated with him.
The FBI continues to urge anyone with information regarding Omar Alexander Cardenas' whereabouts to contact their tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The substantial reward reflects the gravity of the charges and the commitment by law enforcement to bringing him to justice for the alleged murder of Jabali Dumas.