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.
Updated News Release
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