Public’s Help Sought in Search for Chicago Murder Suspect

Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is asking for the public’s help in locating ORLANDO DIAZ, who is wanted for the New Year’s Eve 2006 shooting death of a 26-year old Chicago man.

DIAZ, age 22, whose last known address was 5535 South California Avenue in Chicago, is wanted by the FBI for Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution (UFAP), which is a felony offense. According to police reports, on December 31, 2006, Raul Ramirez was shot and killed in an apparent gang dispute. Ricardo Martinez was also shot during this same incident, but survived his injuries. Investigation by the Chicago Police Department revealed that DIAZ, a known Latin Kings gang member, was responsible for both shootings. DIAZ is believed to have fled the state after being charged in Cook County Circuit Court with First Degree Murder and may be residing with relatives in the Houston, Texas area.

DIAZ, also known as “Pony” or “Psycho,” is described as a Hispanic male, 5’11” tall, 180 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Given the nature of the charges filed against him and his extensive criminal record, DIAZ should be considered armed and dangerous.

This case is being investigated by the Chicago FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) which is comprised of FBI Special Agents, Detectives from the Chicago Police Department and Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff’s Police.

Anyone recognizing DIAZ or having any information as to his current whereabouts is asked to call the Chicago FBI at (312) 421-6700 or any law enforcement agency.

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Copies of the wanted flyer or the criminal complaint filed in this case are available from the Chicago FBI’s press office at (312) 829-1199.