Man Wanted for Multiple Murders in Los Angeles Added to the FBI’s List of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives

A Los Angeles man wanted by multiple agencies in connection with at least four murders and various other crimes has been added to the FBI’s list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, it was announced today by Keith Bolcar, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, and officials with the LAPD, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Jose Luis Saenz first came to the attention of law enforcement when LAPD detectives identified him as the suspect in the 1998 murder of two men in the Hollenbeck area of Los Angeles. Less than two weeks later, Saenz is believed to have kidnapped, raped, and murdered his girlfriend, who was also the mother of his child.

Saenz was charged with three counts of murder, kidnapping, and rape for the 1998 alleged crimes, and an arrest warrant was issued by the Los Angeles County Court on August 12, 1998. When detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department determined Saenz had fled the state of California, the FBI joined the investigation and obtained a federal arrest warrant on January 23, 2002. Saenz was charged in a criminal complaint filed in United States District Court in Los Angeles with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution, in violation of 18 United States Code, Section 1073. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office is also in the process of preparing a Provisional Arrest Warrant in case Saenz is located in Mexico. Investigators believe Saenz travels to Mexico frequently and may be residing there currently.

Saenz is known by several aliases, to include the following: Jose Luis Saenz, Gabriel Saenz, Joe Louis Saenz, Louie Saenz, Toro, Smiley, Giovanni Torres, Giovanni Vasquez, Giovanni Gonzalez, Giovanni Velasquez, Mark Hunnicut;

“Joe Saenz has demonstrated a brazen willingness to commit murder and whatever additional violent crime necessary to continue his criminal behavior,” said Keith Bolcar, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “He has shown that he respects no laws, in this country or in others, and will likely kill again if not captured. Saenz is wanted by multiple law enforcement agencies, and now his face will be featured all over the world.”

The latest murder for which Saenz is wanted occurred in October 2008 when Oscar Torres was killed in his Whittier home. Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department believe Saenz murdered Torres in connection with a drug debt. Saenz is also wanted for shooting and wounding a second man on the same evening. The Torres murder was captured on the victim’s home surveillance videotape system and Saenz was identified as the killer.

"The FBI's Ten Most Wanted list brings worldwide attention and resources to achieve the capture of dangerous individuals,” said Chief William Bratton with the Los Angeles Police Department. “Men who are alleged to kill willingly and so often are certainly among the most dangerous and deserving of capture. We are thankful that the FBI has added Saenz to their Top Ten Most Wanted list."

Saenz has been described by gang associates and others as a major enforcer and hit-man for a Mexican drug cartel who is believed to be involved in importing cocaine into Los Angeles. In addition to the murders for which he is charged, Saenz is wanted for question for additional crimes, including kidnapping and murder. Saenz is considered a career criminal and is a known repeat offender. Saenz is also wanted for being in violation of his parole for a 1995 narcotic possession conviction. In addition, he has an extensive criminal history, including motor vehicle theft, assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism, and possession of narcotics.

Saenz should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. According to individuals interviewed throughout the investigation, Saenz has expressed a willingness to kill law enforcement officers if confronted with arrest.

"This is another example of the strong partnership that exists between all of law enforcement to bring criminals to justice," said Sheriff Lee Baca. "This individual, Jose Saenz, will be brought to justice. We will find him and prosecute him to the full extent, under the law. Make no mistake about it."

Saenz is a United States citizen and is believed to be living in Mexico. Investigators believe he travels freely to the United States by utilizing fraudulently obtained identification.

Saenz is described as a white or Hispanic male, born on 8/4/75 in Los Angeles. Saenz has brown hair and brown eyes, is approximately 5’11” to 6’00” in height and, when last seen, weighed approximately 180 lbs. Saenz is known to have a tattoo on his right arm of the words "Natalie" "Cuatro"; as well as tattoos on his back with the words "In Memory Serelone Flew" and "Flats4,” and on his right arm of the word "Flats.” Saenz is believed to be a member of a Los Angeles area criminal street gang.

Despite being featured on the America’s Most Wanted television program and on the websites of the FBI, LAPD, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Saenz has eluded capture.

As a member of the FBI’s list of Ten Most Wanted fugitives, the FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for the capture of Saenz.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Jose or “Joe” Saenz is urged to contact their local FBI office or police department. The FBI in Los Angeles can be reached at all times by calling 1 888 CANT HIDE. Internationally, citizens with information about Saenz are asked to contact the nearest United States Embassy.

Additional information concerning Saenz and the FBI’s List of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives can be found by visiting www.fbi.gov.

Media Contact:
FBI Press Relations: 310 996-3343, 310 996-4402, or 310 996-3342
LAPD Media Relations: 213 485-3586
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deparment: 323 267-4803
L.A. County District Attorney: 213 974-3525