Newly released surveillance video and a key prosecutorial update have pulled the 2021 killing of Chrys Carvajal back into the spotlight, as investigators intensify the search for a second suspect. The material, along with a decision by prosecutors not to seek the death penalty, shifts the legal posture of a case that has been under federal scrutiny since 2024. Local TV reporting on Monday first brought the video and the death penalty decision to wider public attention.
As detailed by Fox 32 Chicago, investigators released new security footage and said the hunt for an additional suspect in the Belmont Cragin slaying remains active. According to the station, prosecutors told family members and law enforcement that they will not pursue the death penalty in the case. The broadcast includes surveillance clips that authorities say capture the moments immediately before and after the shooting.
Carvajal, 19, had just returned home after completing Army basic training when he was shot outside a house party in the early hours of July 3, 2021. Police found him with gunshot wounds in the 2200 block of North Lockwood Avenue, and he was later pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Those details were reported at the time by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Federal indictment and suspects
In June 2024, federal prosecutors unsealed a racketeering indictment accusing Gary “Gotti” Roberson and Joseph “Troubles” Matos of killing Carvajal to maintain and increase their standing in the Milwaukee Kings street gang. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the charges and stated that Roberson was taken into custody, while Matos remained at large. For background on the federal case, see Hoodline's earlier coverage of the gang-related murder indictment.
Family reaction and the reward
Carvajal’s family has publicly pressed for answers since his death and described the loss as devastating, saying he planned to become a Chicago police officer. The FBI later offered a reward, and in April 2025, increased it to up to $25,000 for information leading to Matos’ arrest, urging anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips at tips.fbi.gov. Those developments were detailed in the FBI Chicago announcement and in local reporting on the family's continuing appeals.
Why the footage matters
Surveillance clips can help investigators identify vehicles, movement patterns, and bystanders whose accounts tighten the timeline, which is why authorities released the new footage. Police first brought evidence in the case to Cook County prosecutors in 2021 but were told it did not meet the threshold needed to charge, a point raised in coverage of the federal indictment. That earlier prosecutorial decision, and the later federal follow-up, were reported by CBS Chicago.
How to help
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the people or vehicles in the footage to contact law enforcement rather than confront potential suspects. Per the FBI Chicago, tips can be phoned in at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitted online at tips.fbi.gov, and the bureau has posted a wanted flyer that includes identifying tattoos and other details.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say they will release additional information as it becomes available. This story will be updated as officials provide further details.
