The FBI announced a $10,000 reward for the capture of the accused individual suspected of killing two people in 2023. The FBI Denver and the Denver Police Department (DPD) are still searching for the suspect identified as Matthew LaDaniel Johnson. The reward applies to anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest or conviction.
“Criminals who threaten the safety of our communities must be held accountable,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek during a press conference on Thursday. “This reward demonstrates our unwavering determination to deliver justice for the victims’ families. The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force and the Denver Police Department will pursue this fugitive until he is found and brought into custody to face the consequences of his actions.“
2023 Shooting
On December 30, 2023, at approximately 1:30 a.m. at The Viking bar in Denver, Colorado, Johnson allegedly shot four men, killing two. According to the FBI in Denver, a fight broke out on the bar’s patio between Johnson’s girlfriend and one of the victims. During said argument, one victim punched Johnson, who fell to the ground. When he stood back up, he pulled out a handgun and opened fire. Brandon Houston, 41, and Jason Lewis, 38, unfortunately died from their injuries. Witnesses to the shooting informed police of a disturbance before shots were fired, and an investigation led officials to Johnson.
Arrest Warrants and Charges
On January 1, 2024, Johnson was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of criminal attempted murder in the first degree. A State of Colorado arrest warrant was obtained for the charges, but Johnson has been on the run since the shooting. Investigators say they have conducted an extensive search but have not been able to locate him. We hope he is found swiftly and brought to justice for his crimes. The sooner he is found, the sooner the family will start to have some kind of closure.
A federal arrest warrant was issued by a federal judge on August 12, 2025, for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. “The community is a tremendous resource in helping to solve cases and locate suspects, and it is our hope that this significant reward will lead to tips and his arrest,” said DPD Chief Ron Thomas.
Johnson is wanted on charges of first-degree and attempted first-degree murder. The FBI Denver put up 28 billboards on the Front Range to attract attention to his case and hopefully pinpoint his whereabouts. “As part of the FBI’s national initiative to target violent crime, called Operation Summer Heat, we are renewing our attention on this case in hopes that the public can help us find him so that he can have his day in court,” said Michalek.
Jason Lewis’ two sisters, Courtney Ortiz and Nikole Lewis Ward, spoke during the press conference on Thursday and expressed the urgency to find the man who killed their brother and to bring justice. “To know Jason was to know someone who loved life deeply and cherished his family above all else,” Ortiz said. “His absence has left an immeasurable void in our lives and everyone who loved him.”
Contact the FBI
Johnson is described as a black male, weighing around 225 pounds, and standing at 5’11”. He has brown hair and brown eyes, and has ties to Sacramento, California; Chicago, Louisiana; and Colorado. He previously worked for a public library, but officials did not provide the name. He should be considered armed and dangerous. It is not recommended to approach him directly. Anybody with information concerning this case is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
