Former FBI Most Wanted fugitive captured for 2000 murder of 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia
Alexis Flores captured in Honduras, returned to Philly for 2000 murder of 5-year-old
Flores was captured on February 11, 2026, in Lepaera, Honduras, through a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force and Honduran authorities. After an extensive international extradition process, Flores was transported back to Philadelphia with assistance from the FBI.
PHILADELPHIA - Alexis Flores has been taken into custody in Philadelphia after spending more than 25 years as a fugitive, according to authorities. Flores faces charges in connection with the kidnapping, rape and murder of 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus.
Manhunt for Flores ends
Flores was captured on February 11, 2026, in Lepaera, Honduras, through a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force and Honduran authorities. After an extensive international extradition process, Flores was transported back to Philadelphia with assistance from the FBI.
Murder of Iriana DeJesus
Timeline:
Iriana was reported missing by her mother on July 29, 2000, after vanishing while playing outside her home on the 3900 block of North Fairhill Street. On August 3, 2000, her body was found in a vacant property under renovation at 3902 North 6th Street. Investigators determined that she had been sexually assaulted and killed.
During the initial investigation, detectives identified a suspect known as "Carlos," who had reportedly been staying at the property where Iriana was found. This individual disappeared from the neighborhood around the same time Iriana went missing.
How investigators connected Flores to the case
Dig deeper:
In 2007, DNA evidence collected by Philadelphia police was matched—through the Combined DNA Index System—to Alexis Flores, whose DNA had been entered following an unrelated arrest in Arizona. Arrest warrants were issued, and Flores was placed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on June 2, 2007.
The Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit and Homicide Fugitive Squad continued working with the FBI to track down Flores, leading to his recent arrest and extradition.
Flores fought the extradition process, the FBI said. Authorities have not confirmed whether Flores admitted to any of the charges.
Flores was denied bail during his arraignment Monday.
Law enforcement officials highlighted the persistent investigative efforts that brought Flores to justice.
"It's a remarkable reflection of the commitment that law enforcement has pursued justice no matter how much time has passed, no matter how much effort it takes. Our commitment is always to the victims and to their families to provide justice," said Special Agent Wayne Jacobs of the FBI's Philadelphia Office.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel called the case one of the department’s worst nightmares.
"Worst nightmare taken off the streets," Bethel said, adding that he was grateful for the "resiliency and tenacity" of investigators.
What they're saying:
For Iriana’s mother, Liza Suain DeJesus, Flores’ return to Philadelphia marks the end of a 26-year wait for justice.
"Happy victory. Justice has been served," DeJesus said.
DeJesus said the years following her daughter’s death were filled with grief and unanswered questions.
"I didn’t understand. Why would someone do that to a child," she said. "I would cry a lot. I was depressed. I was actually drinking more than ever."
What's next:
Flores is now being held in Philadelphia.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 14.
FOX 29 will continue to follow the case as it moves through the courts.
The Source: Information in this article provided by the Philadelphia Police Department and the FBI's Philadelphia division.