LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ — A federal warrant has been issued for the man accused of killing his parents and burying their bodies in their Litchfield Park backyard.
Avondale Police Department officials say two bodies, identified as Hector and Larissa Flores, were located on August 6 in the backyard of a home where officials were investigating the disappearance of three adults.
WATCH: Officials provide information regarding human remains found
“When we enter a home and three people are not there, that we expect them to be there, and there's evidence of foul play, we get very concerned,” Daniel Benavidez, Avondale Police Public Information Officer, said Wednesday.
Police say the case is being investigated as a homicide, and detectives believe the couple's adult son, 27-year-old Matthew Flores, fled the country before the welfare check was conducted. Flores is now considered a suspect.
Below is a photo of Flores, provided by Avondale police:
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, Flores is wanted for first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, concealment of their remains in the backyard of their residence, and fleeing the country.
The U.S. Marshals Service obtained a federal arrest warrant charging Flores with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.
“The U.S. Marshals Service will use every available resource, including our domestic and international law enforcement partnerships, to locate Flores Semyonov and return him to Arizona to face justice,” said United States Marshal Van Bayless. “Crossing international borders will not prevent us from pursuing those accused of committing violent crimes. We will remain steadfast in this search and in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and their family.”
Any information regarding Matthew Flores’ whereabouts can be provided to the Avondale Police Department at 623-333-7001, or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-TESTIGO, for Spanish).
Or by contacting the U.S. Marshals Service’s 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 (1-877-926-8332) or submit a tip through the USMS Tips App or at www.usmarshals.gov/tips. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
The incident is believed to be isolated, with no threat to the community.
The following statement was sent to ABC15:
The Flores Semyonov family is devastated by recent events. They are fully cooperating with law enforcement. Because this is an ongoing investigation, the family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. Their deepest gratitude is extended to their loved ones, neighbors, and the community at large who have expressed concern.
The ABC15 Investigators have reviewed state records, finding there were multiple LLC's with ties to the Litchfield Park address. One of those appears to be under the son's name.
"So, time will tell how long it will take, but this individual will be caught," said Acting U.S. Marshal for the District of Arizona, Van Bayless.
He can't speak to the specifics of this case, but Bayless gave ABC15 insight into how these searches generally unfold.
"So, if somebody committed a crime, they know that they're wanted, they took off," said Bayless. "Right? They're in active flight at this point. And so, what are they likely to do? You have to understand the individual."
He said usually his agency talks to the community and combs through a fugitive's digital footprint.
When it comes to family, Bayless said they can play a "massive" role in the search.
"So, all the agencies that are involved in this, at some point, they will be talking with family members and trying to get as much information they as can," said Bayless.
Bayless said the U.S. Marshal Services also lean on relationships they have spent years forming.
If agencies learn a fugitive is in country that does not have an extradition treaty with the United States, Bayless said that can make things harder but not impossible.
"But, like I said earlier, this is where you make a new friend," said Bayless. "So, we're not familiar with this country, are we still likely to get the person out of there? Absolutely. We do all the time."
He is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact law enforcement.
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