Authorities have launched an international search for an Arizona man wanted in connection with the deaths of his parents, after investigators discovered two bodies buried behind a home.
Police said Friday that the remains were found in the backyard of a residence in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Investigators have identified 27-year-old Matthew Flores as a suspect in the couple’s disappearance and deaths, and believe he may have left the United States.
Officials confirmed that the two people found dead were Flores’ mother and father.
Matthew Flores, 27, has been named a suspect after his parents’ bodies were discovered buried in the backyard of a Litchfield Park, Arizona home. Authorities say they believe he has fled the country. (Avondale Police Department)
Speaking at a news conference, Avondale Police Officer Daniel Benavidez said investigators found a significant amount of blood inside the house, along with signs that someone had attempted to clean the scene. He said those findings pointed to possible foul play.
The case began as a missing persons investigation after all three family members vanished under what police described as suspicious circumstances.
Crews had to use a mini excavator to recover the bodies from the backyard, authorities said.
Avondale police officers and crime scene investigators were called to the Litchfield Park, Arizona property where two bodies were recovered from the backyard. (FOX 10)
The FBI and U.S. Marshals service are involved in the search for Flores, who officials believe has fled the country.
“I can’t tell you how many hours or days, but what I can say is that the bodies are in a state of decomposition,” Benavidez said.
Crime scene tape surrounds the Litchfield Park, Arizona home where investigators used a mini excavator to recover two bodies from the backyard. (FOX 10)
People who knew Flores told FOX 10 they were surprised he is considered a suspect, adding they knew him to be a kind and sweet man.
The Flores family said in a statement that they are “devastated.”
“The Flores Semyonov family is devastated by recent events,” the representative said. “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.”
