Executive Summary
- The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for Samuel Ramirez Jr., wanted for a 2023 double murder in Washington.
- Investigators allege Ramirez fled to Mexico with family assistance and has ties to Las Vegas, Arizona, and California.
- A federal warrant has been issued for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution; the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Samuel Ramirez Jr., a fugitive wanted in connection with a deadly double shooting in Washington state in 2023. According to an FBI press release, federal agents are coordinating a manhunt for Ramirez, who reportedly has established ties to Las Vegas, Nevada; Lake Havasu City, Arizona; and Compton, California, as well as locations in Mexico.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on May 21, 2023, at the Stars Bar and Grill in Federal Way, Washington. Authorities allege that Ramirez was involved in a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two female victims and left a third individual injured. Following the investigation, the King County Superior Court in Washington issued an arrest warrant for Ramirez, charging him with murder.
Federal investigators report that Ramirez fled the scene immediately after the shooting. FBI officials state that he traveled to Arizona, where his parents allegedly drove him into Mexico two days post-incident. In November 2024, the United States District Court issued a federal arrest warrant charging Ramirez with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Law enforcement officials caution that Ramirez should be considered armed and dangerous. In addition to his domestic connections, he reportedly maintains ties to the Mexican states of Jalisco and Sinaloa. The FBI has urged anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or to submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
Cross-Border Fugitive Investigation
The involvement of the FBI and the issuance of a federal warrant for unlawful flight highlight the complexity of this case, which has escalated from a local homicide investigation to an international manhunt. The confirmed movement of the suspect across state lines and into Mexico necessitates cooperation between United States federal agents and international law enforcement partners. The significant financial reward suggests that investigators are seeking to leverage public assistance to generate leads in regions where the suspect may be sheltering. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
