Watch CBS News

FBI Seeks Chicago Man Wanted For Fatal Shooting Of Roommate

CHICAGO (STMW) - The FBI has joined the hunt for seek a man charged with the April 2010 murder of his roommate during a party at a Northwest Side motel who is now considered an armed and dangerous fugitive.

Ernesto Montoya-Hernandez, 25, whose last known address was in the 4600 block of North Avers in the Albany Park neighborhood, is wanted for the shooting death of Juan Mendez, with whom he shared an apartment, according to a release from the FBI.

According to witnesses, Montoya-Hernandez and Mendez got into an argument during a party at a motel. Montoya-Hernandez then pulled a handgun and shot Mendez, fatally wounding him, while injuring a second man who was standing nearby, the release said.

Mendez, 34, of the 500 block of West 25th St. in Cicero, was found unresponsive in the motel at 6060 N. Lincoln Ave., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office. The River Park Motel & Suites is listed at that location.

The victim was shot multiple times, police said, and was dead on the scene. An autopsy revealed Mendez died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Chicago Police found evidence linking Montoya-Hernandez to the murder and he was charged a few days later, the release said. An arrest warrant was issued, but Montoya-Hernandez has not been located and it is believed to have fled the state. He was later charged in U.S. District Court with one count of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Montoya-Hernandez is described as a Hispanic male, 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He is also known as "Camacho" and has a large tattoo on his left shoulder. The FBI said he has an extensive criminal history and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information should call the FBI at (312) 421-6700.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2011. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.