The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jesus Jose Astorga, who is accused of fleeing to Mexico to avoid prosecution for a 1999 first-degree murder in Kern County, California.
Astorga is sought in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man at a Shafter apartment on October 15, 1999, according to allegations by the Shafter Police Department.
Following the incident, the Kern County District Attorney’s Office charged Astorga with one count of murder in the first degree in the Bakersfield Municipal Court District on November 2, 1999. A federal arrest warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution was later issued for Astorga in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California on June 20, 2000.
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The FBI Sacramento Field Office described Astorga as a Hispanic male, standing five feet seven inches tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to have ties to the cities of Durango and Sonora in Mexico.
“The FBI has a long-standing commitment to aiding our law enforcement partners and ensuring defendants face the charges brought against them—no matter how far they may run,” stated Sid Patel, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “Every family deserves an opportunity to seek justice for their lost loved ones.”
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding Astorga’s whereabouts to contact their local FBI office, the nearest United States embassy, or submit a tip anonymously online at tips.fbi.gov.
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