U.S. Marshals join search for fugitive who reportedly killed Kent man

The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the largest manhunt in county history for Jorge Alcantara-Gonzalez, the man suspected of killing Kent hunter Ian Eckles on or around May 17.

Evidence and intelligence gathered during the investigation, including tips and information from the public, continue to produce new directions and focus to the search in Central Washington, according to the sheriff’s office. The related closures of U.S. Forest Service and Teanaway Community Forest lands remain in effect and residents in the area should remain alert and cautious.

Alcantara-Gonzalez is believed to have burglarized multiple homes and cabins in the area in his search for tools, supplies and weapons. Owners of cabins or homes affected by the closures are encouraged to check on their property or request that deputies conduct a security check. The prompt discovery of burglaries and thefts is likely to help with a resolution of those crimes and could provide valuable intelligence in this manhunt.

While the sheriff’s office search remains focused on the closure area as Alcantara-Gonzalez’s most likely hiding place, it has enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals, the premier fugitive-hunting agency in the country, in the event he has fled. The Marshals are offering $5,000 for information that leads to Alcantara-Gonzalez’s apprehension.

If you know of Alcantara’s location in Kittitas County, please call 911 or call the U.S. Marshals’ tip-line a 800-336-0102 or use the USMS TIPS App on your mobile device to submit information. Anyone reporting through either method will be eligible for the reward.

Eckles, 41, remains at the heart of the investigation and the motivation behind this search, according to the sheriff’s office. As soon as Alcantara-Gonzalez is safely in custody — or when deputies have evidence that he is out of the area — the sheriff’s office said it will focus more resources, including a reserve of eager volunteer assistance, onto the search for Eckles, to give his family the peace and closure they deserve.