The hunt for a fugitive suspected in a 2019 Sylmar killing is getting a major cash boost. LAPD and the FBI announced Tuesday that the reward for information leading to the arrest of 30-year-old Omar Alexander Cardenas has been raised to $1 million.
Cardenas is accused of fatally shooting 46-year-old Jabali Dumas on Aug. 15, 2019, outside a Sylmar shopping center. Authorities say he remains on the run and is believed to have fled the country.
At a news conference, officials framed the huge reward as a way to jolt fresh leads in a case that has dragged on for years, according to CBS News Los Angeles. FBI Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis warned that Cardenas "should be considered armed and dangerous" and added a pointed message: "Mexico is not safe for you, Mr. Cardenas." Davis also stressed that tipsters can remain anonymous.
Cardenas is on the FBI's radar
Cardenas landed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list after authorities said he fled, and a federal warrant was issued, according to the FBI. The bureau’s wanted profile lists a federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and includes his physical description along with prior reward information.
The 2019 shooting and case history
Investigators say the shooting unfolded outside a barbershop in a Sylmar shopping center and left Dumas dead from gunshot wounds to the head. A later search of Cardenas’ home turned up evidence that detectives tied to the killing, according to CBS News Los Angeles.
Local prosecutors charged Cardenas with murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Officials said a local arrest warrant followed in April 2020, and a federal warrant for unlawful flight was issued in September 2021. During the announcement of the new reward, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell urged anyone with information to step forward.
Local coverage and earlier reward offers
Local outlets have tracked the case as rewards gradually increased and federal attention ramped up. A prior report, FBI Los Angeles Offers $100K Reward, noted an earlier six-figure offer when Cardenas was added to the Ten Most Wanted list.
Officials say the new $1 million figure is meant to shake loose new tips and remind anyone who might be hesitant that they can stay unnamed.
How to submit tips
Anyone with information on Cardenas’ whereabouts is asked to call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online through the FBI wanted page. Authorities say even a small detail could move the case forward and emphasize that callers can request confidentiality.
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