WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals announced today the addition of Joseph Allen Garcia to the service’s 15 Most Wanted fugitive list. Garcia is wanted in Texas on charges of murder, manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and failure to appear. He is also wanted on a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

In December 2003, Garcia and two associates allegedly traveled to a residence in Laredo, Texas, with the intent of provoking a fight with another group of young men. Upon arriving at the residence, Garcia reportedly pulled out an AK-47 assault rifle and opened fire into the group, killing 18-year-old Mario Gonzalez and wounding three others. Authorities arrested Garcia the day after the murder, but he was out on bond within weeks.

Garcia was into trouble again by August 2004, when he allegedly shot and wounded a young man after an argument over stereo speakers. Garcia was arrested for attempted murder and again posted bond. He was later indicted for murder when the young man died from his wounds. Four months later in December 2004, authorities arrested Garcia for possession of drugs. He posted bond and apparently decided to try life on the run. Garcia was scheduled to appear in court in March 2005, but he was a no-show and authorities have been looking for him ever since.

In January 2006, the Laredo Police Department and the Webb County Sheriff’s Department contacted the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force – Laredo Division for assistance in locating and apprehending Garcia. He was classified as a U.S. Marshals Major Case until being upgraded today to the 15 Most Wanted.

“Garcia has displayed a propensity for violence and continues to live a life of crime. Capturing him is one of our highest priorities,” said Director John F. Clark of the U.S. Marshals Service. “We will use all available resources to bring this violent criminal to justice.”

Authorities suspect Garcia is a member of the Zetas, the enforcers for the Mexican Gulf Cartel. Garcia also is known to be associated with the Mexican mafia and is believed to be involved in the drug trade. He is likely living in Mexico and making frequent crossings into California and Texas.

Garcia is a 21-year-old Hispanic male, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 150 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. He has scars on his left eye, chest and right ankle.

A $25,000 reward is offered for information leading directly to Garcia’s arrest. Garcia and his associates are known to be armed and extremely violent. If you have information about Joseph Allen Garcia’s whereabouts, immediately contact your nearest U.S. Marshals office or call the Marshals 24-hour hotline at 1-800-336-0102.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. Annually, U.S. Marshals arrest more federal fugitives and serve more federal warrants than all other federal agencies combined. For more information on USMS 15 Most Wanted fugitives and USMS Major Cases, go to www.usmarshals.gov.

   See Wanted Poster for Joseph Allen Garcia

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