Dundalk is on edge again as the man convicted in his father's 2003 killing has gone off the radar, according to authorities. Investigators say the 64-year-old has allegedly violated the terms of his supervised release, his whereabouts are unknown, and federal marshals are now backing up local law enforcement. The latest twist has renewed scrutiny on the same neighborhood where the original shooting stunned residents more than two decades ago.
As reported by WBFF, Joseph John Vavrek, 64, is wanted on a supervised-release violation after investigators say he repeatedly failed to report to supervising authorities beginning in 2023. The Maryland Parole Commission issued a warrant in July 2025, and the U.S. Marshals Service has now joined the search. Investigators are asking the public to contact the Marshals at 202-819-5058 with tips. "By failing to make himself available, Mr. Vavrek is a danger to the community and himself," Senior Inspector Al Maresca said.
How retake warrants work
According to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the state Parole Commission can issue a retake warrant when someone on parole or mandatory supervision violates the conditions of release. That retake warrant authorizes officers to arrest and detain the person so the Commission can hold an administrative hearing and decide what comes next: revoke release, return the person to supervision, or send them back to a correctional facility.
The 2003 case
According to court records cited by WBFF, on July 18, 2003, officers responded to a call at a Merritt Boulevard home and found 78-year-old Joseph Vavrek with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the younger Vavrek admitted to the shooting. Prosecutors initially charged him with first-degree murder, but in 2004, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 25-year-and-one-day sentence followed by supervised release. Records show his supervised release began in October 2022 and that alleged failures to report in 2023 led the Parole Commission to issue the current retake warrant.
What happens next
Per the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, if Vavrek is located and arrested on the retake warrant, the Parole Commission will typically hold an administrative revocation hearing. At that hearing, the commissioners decide whether to revoke his release or return him to supervision. Depending on the outcome, the Commission or the courts may keep him in custody under state directives and correctional policies pending a final decision.
Anyone with information is asked to contact law enforcement. The U.S. Marshals Service operates a 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) and accepts tips through the USMS Tips app. If you believe you have an immediate sighting, authorities urge you to call 911 first, then follow up with the Marshals or local police.
