Saints Homicide Fugitive

Rafael Rodriguez shot a rival gang member to death during a street fight.

CHICAGO FUGITIVE NEWS -- A known member of the Latin Saints street gang, Rafael "Ralphy" Rodriguez is most wanted for the gang-related homicide of 22-year-old Eriverto Mejia. Rodriguez is believed to have then fled Chicago, Illinois, after being charged with First Degree Murder in Cook County Circuit Court. Later, charged with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution, FBI Chicago joined in the search for this killer gang banger.

According to police, eyewitnesses' allege Rodriguez shot Mejia dead in Chicago on April 11, 1998, during a gang fight. Rodriguez lived at 4533 South Marshfield Street, Chicago, located in the "Back of the Yards" neighborhood, which is considered by Latin Saints to be their gang's territory. Additionally, the Latin Saints is a mob of the alliance of street gangs known as "People Nation." The Latin Saints are believed to have joined People Nation to gain protection for its incarcerated members. However, even though the Saints is a small mob with only several hundred members, they are still considered one of Chicago's most violent street gangs.

Meanwhile, this suspected killer, Ralphy Rodriguez, is described as:

• Birth Date: July 24, 1977
• Height: 68 inches
• Weight: 130 pounds
• Eyes: Brown
• Hair: Black
• Sex: Male
• Race: Hispanic

Rodriguez is believed to have returned to his parents' native country of Mexico. He may attempt to return to the United States in order to continue his criminal gang activity. Likewise, defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, but Rodriguez has an extensive criminal record, so he should be considered armed and dangerous. Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of FBI Chicago is encouraging anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this most wanted homicide fugitive, Rafael Rodriguez, to notify the Chicago FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force by calling 312-421-6700.