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WANTED: U.S. Marshals ask public to help find fugitive wanted for killing two in Newport News

Posted at 2:16 PM, Jan 09, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-10 09:35:57-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - It has been five months, and still no sign of 32-year-old Amos Arroyo, a man wanted for killing his ex-girlfriend and her father in front of their two young children.

Police say Arroyo is wanted after they believe he went to the home of 29-year-old Patricia 'Trish' Joseph on July 30. Joseph and Arroyo have two children together, a 6-year-old and 2-year-old. The children were reported to be home and in the room when police say Arroyo shot Joseph, killing her.

According to reports, Arroyo then turned the gun towards 67-year-old Jesse Barnes, Patricia's dad who was also there, and shot him as well. Barnes died later in the hospital.

U.S Marshals believe Arroyo fled the area immediately after the crime. He was seen on surveillance in a Georgia Walmart the day after the double murder.

Officials told News 3 he bought a few items; a backpack, underwear, socks, a hooded sweatshirt, pants, and tee shirts and then he left the store.

Authorities found Arroyo's car on August 1, abandoned in that Walmart parking lot off Interstate 95 in Pooler, Georgia.

U.S. Marshals Norfolk spokesman, Chris Leuer, said his ID was inside the car. They now believe he has taken on a fake identity. 

The investigation reveals Arroyo has ties all over the country. Leuer said Arroyo was born in the Bronx, grew up outside of Los Angeles and most recently lived in Newport News.

Arroyo also has ties in Florida, Georgia, Delaware, Texas and Peurto Rico. He has traveled to Mexico and speaks Spanish fluently, officials said.

Marshals told News 3 this crime is horrific in many ways, but because it happened with two children present they are determined to capture this wanted man.

News 3 spoke to Trish Joseph's mother, Rosalie Sanders, who said the children are staying with family and the older son is in therapy.

She said he has nightmares about the shooting on a regular basis.

Sanders pleads with the public to call and report information if you have seen Arroyo or know where he might be.

Please call the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-Wanted-2 (1-877-926-8332) or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov with any information regarding this subject.

Anyone with information leading to an arrest could receive a $3000 reward.

Related: Family mourns after father and daughter killed in Newport News shooting