Reward Increased in Search for Fugitive Accused of 2019 Murder

Los Angeles police and FBI seek public's help in locating Omar Alexander Cardenas, who allegedly shot and killed Jabali Dumas in Sylmar.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Los Angeles Police Department and FBI have announced an increase in the reward for information leading to the arrest of Omar Alexander Cardenas, a 30-year-old man accused of shooting and killing Jabali Dumas in Sylmar, California in 2019. Cardenas is believed to have fled to Mexico after the incident and is now considered a fugitive.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down violent suspects who evade prosecution by fleeing across international borders. The increased reward reflects the urgency to locate Cardenas and bring him to justice for the 2019 murder.

The details

According to authorities, Cardenas allegedly shot and killed 46-year-old Jabali Dumas in a large shopping center in Sylmar in August 2019, firing several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun. An arrest warrant was issued for Cardenas in April 2020, and a federal warrant was issued in September 2021 after he was believed to have illegally boarded a flight. Cardenas is known to have gang connections, and evidence linking him to Dumas' killing was found during a search of his home.

  • On August 15, 2019, Cardenas allegedly shot and killed Jabali Dumas.
  • In April 2020, an arrest warrant was issued for Cardenas.
  • In September 2021, a federal warrant was issued for Cardenas after he allegedly fled the country.

The players

Omar Alexander Cardenas

A 30-year-old man accused of shooting and killing Jabali Dumas in 2019. Cardenas is believed to have fled to Mexico and is now considered a fugitive.

Jabali Dumas

A 46-year-old man who was allegedly shot and killed by Cardenas in a Sylmar shopping center in 2019.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who is asking for the public's help in locating Cardenas.

Akil Davis

The assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles Field Office of the FBI, who announced the increased $1 million reward for information leading to Cardenas' arrest.

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What they’re saying

“He should be considered armed and dangerous.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge, Los Angeles Field Office, FBI (cbsnews.com)

“Mexico is not safe for you, Mr. Cardenas, if that's where you're hiding.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge, Los Angeles Field Office, FBI (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Cardenas to be released on bail if he is located.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down violent suspects who flee across international borders, and the importance of public cooperation in helping to locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives.