Philadelphia man charged with 2000 murder of 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus after 25 years

Alexis Flores, 51, was extradited to Philadelphia this week in connection with the kidnapping and killing of 5-year-old Iriana DeJesus in July 2000.

Former FBI fugitive extradited to face murder charge in cold case killing of Philadelphia girl

A man has been jailed after authorities say he abducted a 5-year-old girl from outside her Philadelphia home in 2000, sexually assaulted her, and strangled her — concealing her body in a vacant building one block away. Law & Crime reports that Alexis Flores, 51, was extradited to Philadelphia this week following his arrest in Honduras in February 2026.

Flores faces charges including murder, kidnapping for ransom, interference with the custody of children, and false imprisonment, according to court records reviewed by Law & Crime.

A girl vanishes, a body found five days later

On July 29, 2000, Iriana DeJesus was playing outside her home on the 3900 block of North Fairhill Street in Philadelphia when she disappeared. Her mother reported her missing, and investigators launched a search. Five days later, on August 3, her body was found wrapped in wallpaper inside a vacant structure just a block from her home, local ABC affiliate WPVI reported. She had been sexually assaulted and strangled.

DNA link takes seven years to surface

It took approximately seven years before police obtained evidence connecting Flores to the crime scene. The break came through DNA.

"An itinerant worker with ties to Honduras and a criminal history that stretches to Arizona, Flores is believed to have lived in the apartment building where young Iriana DeJesus's body was discovered," the FBI said. "She was last seen with a Hispanic male who allegedly told people he was from Honduras and was seeking work and a place to stay. Flores allegedly disappeared from the area at the same time the girl was reported missing."

The FBI noted that few "solid leads" emerged until agents were "notified that a DNA sample from an Arizona convict matched evidence taken at the Philadelphia crime scene." Flores had served time in Arizona on a forgery charge and was deported to Honduras following his release in 2005. He was subsequently charged with murder and related offenses, but years passed without a significant development in the case.

Years as an FBI Most Wanted fugitive

Flores remained on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list for years while living abroad. In February 2026, the FBI announced his arrest in Honduras. He reportedly contested extradition to the United States, but Philadelphia authorities ultimately prevailed, and Flores was transferred to the city this week.

Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia, issued a statement dated February 13: "The passage of time does not diminish our resolve or perseverance in the pursuit of justice. The arrest of Alexis Flores is the culmination of 25 years of tireless investigative effort and the strength of our partnerships across departments. Through this sustained collaboration and the support of our law enforcement partners, both domestically and internationally, the day is now here."

Prosecutors vow no fugitive is beyond reach

David Metcalf, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, emphasized the case as a signal to those who flee prosecution. "The U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to apprehend fugitives who flee the jurisdiction to evade state prosecution," Metcalf said. "No matter how long it takes or how far they may run, when it comes to a heinous crime like this, justice will be waiting."

Flores was arraigned on Monday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 14.

Source: Law & Crime