NEW YORK — A New Jersey man has been added to the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list for the first time since the 1980’s.
The feds say he’s a dangerous killer wanted for a gruesome murder.
Walter Yovany Gomez, who is the 513th person to make the list, is sought in connection with a brutal gang murder on West Front Street in Plainfield, NJ in May 2011.
FBI Newark announces Walter Yovany Gomez as 513th addition to the FBI’s list of “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.” Gomez is wanted for murder #FBI pic.twitter.com/vGiyMQsPFR
— FBI Newark (@FBINewark) April 12, 2017
Gomez is believed to affiliated with the gang MS-13, as was his victim Julio Matute, WCBS 880’s Peter Haskell reported. Authorities say Matute was Gomez’s friend, and allegedly was a member of the Plainfield Locos Salvatrucha crew, a New Jersey branch of the notorious criminal network.
The victim had allegedly showed disrespect to the gang, and they ordered Gomez to do the hit in order to become a full fledged member of MS-13 , said Tim Gallagher, head the FBI office in Newark.
“Gomez allegedly swung a baseball bat, striking Matute in the head and when he hit the floor he sliced his throat and then stabbed him repeatedly with a screw driver,” Gallagher said.
Authorities say Gomez was aided by another man, who has since been convicted for the murder. There is now a $100,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.
“We’re confident the large reward offer will generate publicity and tips leading to the capture of Gomez,” Gallagher said. “This individual is catchable.”
Gomez, also known as Cholo, has not been seen in New Jersey since around the time of the murder and is believed to still be in the U.S., possibly in Maryland or Virginia.
The Honduras native is described as 5’7″and 160 pounds. Authorities say he’s known to work in construction, hanging drywall or working in a kitchen.
Gallagher said Gomez should be considered armed and dangerous.
