A cash incentive is now on the table for anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of an accused murderer who escaped to Venezuela after the tragic death of Texas teenager, Felicia Ruiz.

The story, as reported by FOX 26 Houston, involves the conviction of two individuals in connection with the murder of 17-year-old Felicia. These individuals have been sentenced to serve lengthy prison terms. Meanwhile, the primary suspect, Jesus Salazar, managed to flee the country and has successfully evaded capture for years.

It was October 30, 1999, when Felicia was drawn into a trap under the guise of attending a Halloween party. As detailed by ABC 3 Eyewitness News, the Ruiz family had initially thought that Felicia’s attackers were her friends. The grim reality was that once they had her isolated, they launched a vicious assault on her.

Felicia’s mother, Carrie Ruiz, revealed that Salazar harbored a crush on Felicia. However, his infatuation turned sour and dangerous when his romantic feelings were not reciprocated by Felicia.

However, once they had her alone, they brutally attacked her. Felicia’s mother, Carrie Ruiz, said that Salazar had a crush on Felicia, but became upset when the feelings were not returned.

They stabbed her over 39 times before leaving her body in a Houston field, near Highway 290 and Hollister.

Salazar was a member of the notorious Latin Kings gang, according to Investigation Discovery. The killers also had intentions of Felicia joining the gang, but her family said that she had refused.

“Salazar was protected by the Venezuelan government for over 25 years,” Director of Victim Services and Advocacy, Andy Kahan told FOX 26.

“They knew where he was, he knew he would never be extradited back to the United States. They protected him.”

Now, according to Felicia’s father, Lou Ruiz, Salazar is “enjoying his life, getting married, having a family,” according to what he told FOX 26.

Crime Stoppers of Houston is offering a “cash reward of up to $10,000” for Salazar’s capture.

He’s described as standing 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing around 165 pounds in 1999. He has the name “SALAZAR” tattooed across his chest.

“What would she look like today, what would she be doing?” Carrie told ABC 13. “Her children she would have had, a son-in-law, they’ll never know what they took.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Houston Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS (8477).

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Felicia Ruiz/Handout]