$1-million reward offered for California murder suspect, an FBI 'Ten Most Wanted' fugitive

Omar Alexander Cardenas is wanted for a 2019 fatal shooting in Sylmar and is on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A $1-million reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of Omar Alexander Cardenas, a suspect in a 2019 fatal shooting in Sylmar, California. Cardenas is also one of the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' fugitives. Surveillance video shows Cardenas outside the barbershop before and after the shooting, and a search of his home uncovered evidence linking him to the crime. Authorities believe Cardenas fled to Mexico shortly after the shooting to avoid arrest.

Why it matters

The high-profile reward and Cardenas' inclusion on the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list underscores the seriousness of the crime and the authorities' determination to bring him to justice. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down fugitives who flee across international borders.

The details

Omar Alexander Cardenas has been charged with the murder of Jabali Dumas in a Sylmar barbershop on August 15, 2019. Investigators believe Cardenas fired several rounds from a handgun, hitting Dumas in the head. A search warrant at Cardenas' house led police to recover the car used in the shooting, as well as other evidence linking him to the crime.

  • On August 15, 2019, Cardenas allegedly shot and killed Jabali Dumas in a Sylmar barbershop.
  • In April 2020, the LAPD sought an arrest warrant for Cardenas.
  • In July 2022, Cardenas was added to the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list.
  • In 2022, the reward for information leading to Cardenas' arrest was increased from $100,000 to $250,000.
  • In 2026, the reward was further increased to $1 million.

The players

Omar Alexander Cardenas

A suspect in the 2019 fatal shooting of Jabali Dumas in Sylmar, California. Cardenas is one of the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' fugitives and is believed to have fled to Mexico to avoid arrest.

Jabali Dumas

The victim of the 2019 fatal shooting in a Sylmar barbershop.

Jim McDonnell

The LAPD Chief who announced the $1 million reward and provided details on the case against Cardenas.

Akil Davis

The assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles field office, who spoke about Cardenas being added to the 'Ten Most Wanted' list.

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What they’re saying

“LAPD detectives have continued to work this case, along with the FBI Fugitive Task Force. Someone knows Omar Cardenas' whereabouts and we're encouraging anyone with information to please come forward.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (latimes.com)

“Mexico is not safe for you, Mr. Cardenas.”

— Akil Davis, Assistant Director, FBI Los Angeles (latimes.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Omar Alexander Cardenas to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down high-profile fugitives who flee across international borders. The significant increase in the reward money underscores the authorities' determination to bring Cardenas to justice and the importance of the public's assistance in locating him.