DUNDALK, Md. (WBFF) — A man convicted of murdering his father is once again wanted by authorities.
Joseph John Vavrek, 64, is wanted on a supervised release violation, and his whereabouts are unknown.
The US Marshals Service has joined the search for him.
Investigators said Vavrek violated the terms of his supervised release by failing to properly report to authorities on multiple occasions, beginning in 2023.
The Maryland Parole Commission issued a warrant for his arrest in July 2025.
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Vavrek was placed on supervised release following a conviction in connection to his father’s murder more than 20 years ago.
On July 18, 2003, investigators said Vavrek called 911 and reported his father may be having a heart attack inside their home on Merritt Boulevard in Dundalk, Maryland.
According to the statement of charges found in court documents, officers and medics responded to the home and were met by Vavrek, who was standing on the front lawn.
Inside the home, investigators said, the first responders made a violent discovery.
According to the statement of charges, officers and medics found the father, also Joseph Vavrek, lying in the living room and appearing to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest.
The 78-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
Moments later, a shocking confession.
Investigators said the younger Vavrek, who was 41 years old at the time, admitted he shot his father.
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“Officers took the son into custody and contacted homicide detectives,” said Al Maresca. Senior Inspector, US Marshals Service.
The murder made headlines across greater Baltimore.
Neighbors expressed their shock that such a crime had happened in their community.
Many were left with unanswered questions, including why Vavrek allegedly shot his father.
“Investigators say Vavrek never provided a motive,” said Maresca.
Vavrek was charged with first-degree murder.
The following year, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years and one day in prison, followed by supervised release.
Records show Vavrek’s supervised release commenced in October 2022, and approximately a year later he violated his terms and conditions.
“Vavrek was accused of violating his probation multiple times,” said Maresca.
Court records show Vavrek’s criminal history dates to the 1980’s.
According to court records, in 1989, Vavrek, who was 27 years old at the time, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder in Baltimore County.
In 1991, records show he was found to be in possession of a handgun.
Records also show Vavrek has two separate assault convictions, including one in Howard County back in 1996 and another in Baltimore County in 2000.
Several years later, Vavrek was convicted of his father’s fatal shooting.
Now, more than 20 years later, the 64-year-old is wanted for violating the terms of his supervised release.
“By failing to make himself available, Mr. Vavrek is a danger to the community and himself. For these reasons, we’re asking for the public’s help in locating him,” said Maresca.
Anyone with information concerning Vavrek’s whereabouts is asked to contact the US Marshals Service at 202-819-5058.
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