JACKSON, Miss. -- U.S. marshals said Friday they believe a federal fugitive from Missouri may have taken up a new identity in the Jackson area.

"We are making this case a high priority," said Nehemiah Flowers, U.S. marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi.

Four deputy marshals from Missouri were in the capital city last week searching for Larry Flenoid, 51, of St. Louis, who escaped custody after being charged with murder, kidnapping, assault and burglary.

"Just the arrest will get you at least $5,000," said Deputy U.S. Marshal Karen Burke of St. Louis.

Authorities said Flenoid escaped from a federal halfway house May 5, 2000, killed the brother-in-law of his girlfriend, whom he kidnaped briefly, before eluding law enforcement officers. On the day of the killing and kidnapping, he had been permitted to leave the facility for a limited time.

"We are determined to capture Larry Flenoid and bring him to justice," said Marshals Service Director Benigno Reyna, who added Flenoid to the agency's 15 Most Wanted List.

Marshals described Flenoid as a career criminal who's armed and dangerous.

His arrest history dates to 1968 and includes convictions for burglary, weapons violations, robbery, narcotics possession and a parole violation.

"He has a long history of criminal activity, including drugs and violence," Burke said. "His original charge was intent to distribute cocaine."

One of the main ways to recognize Flenoid is from his tattoos, she said. A tattoo on his right arm has the word "Lamoude." One on his chest is a cross with the name Ursula. Another on his left shoulder is a heart with words.

"We do believe he has a contact down here who has helped him get firmly entrenched in a whole new life," Burke said. "He has a new identity. We don't know what that identity is."