FBI Increases Reward to $1 Million for Information on San Fernando Valley Murder Case
Officials Increase Reward in Homicide Investigation
LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday, local and federal authorities announced an increased reward for information leading to the arrest of wanted fugitive Omar Alexander Cardenas. The reward is now set at $1 million.
Cardenas has been placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list due to his alleged involvement in a 2019 murder in the San Fernando Valley. Authorities describe him as armed and dangerous, urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.
The background of this case reveals that Cardenas is suspected of firing multiple shots from a semiautomatic handgun toward Hair Icon Barber Shop on August 15, 2019. The gunfire struck 46-year-old Jabari Dumas, who was standing outside and subsequently died from his injuries.
FBI Special Agent Michael Alker expressed concerns about Cardenas, stating, "He is not only a risk to the public, but he may also have information related to other violent crimes." Additionally, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell noted Cardenas’s known gang affiliations.
During the ongoing investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cardenas’s residence. Investigators recovered a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime, along with other evidence linked to the shooting. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has since filed charges of murder and assault with a firearm against him.
McDonnell confirmed that a warrant for Cardenas’s arrest remains active and is subject to full extradition. In light of the heightened urgency, he stated, "We believe that someone knows Omar Cardenas’s whereabouts, and we’re urging anyone with information to please come forward. Our mission is clear: to locate and apprehend Cardenas and bring justice for the Dumas family."
Akil Davis, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the seriousness of the situation: "Cardenas is the 528th fugitive to be added to the Ten Most Wanted list, and he should be considered armed and dangerous. A reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest is available."
Authorities continue to seek the public’s assistance and encourage anyone with tips to contact the FBI’s tip line at 800-225-5324.
