FBI Captures Longtime Fugitive in Honduras for 2000 Philadelphia Murder

Alexis Flores, accused of kidnapping and killing a 5-year-old girl, was on the FBI's Most Wanted list for over 25 years.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The FBI has captured Alexis Flores, a fugitive previously on the FBI's Most Wanted list, in Honduras. Flores was wanted for the kidnapping and murder of a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl in 2000. He had been on the run for nearly 25 years before being apprehended by international authorities this week.

Why it matters

This arrest highlights the FBI's ongoing efforts to track down and capture some of the country's most dangerous and elusive fugitives, no matter how long it takes. The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in bringing criminals to justice, even decades after their alleged crimes.

The details

Flores was charged with murder and other felonies in 2007 for the 2000 killing of the 5-year-old Philadelphia girl. A federal arrest warrant was also issued for him on charges of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. He remained on the FBI's Most Wanted list from 2007 until March 2025, when he was removed as part of an ongoing review to keep the list current. Flores was finally captured in Honduras on Wednesday by the FBI and its international partners.

  • The girl was reported missing on July 29, 2000, and was later found strangled to death in a nearby apartment days later.
  • On March 22, 2007, an arrest warrant was obtained by authorities after Flores was charged with murder and other felonies.
  • On the same date in 2007, a federal arrest warrant was issued after Flores was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution (UFAP).
  • Flores was listed on the FBI's Most Wanted list from 2007 through March 2025, when he was removed based on an overall program review.

The players

Alexis Flores

A fugitive previously on the FBI's Most Wanted list, accused of kidnapping and murdering a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl in 2000.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director, who stated that this arrest shows that time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After more than 25 years on the run, this arrest shows that time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice. Thanks to relentless work by our international partners and FBI personnel, a fugitive accused of an unthinkable crime against a child is now in custody and on a path back to the United States.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (Fox News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Alexis Flores out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the FBI's unwavering commitment to tracking down and apprehending even the most elusive fugitives, no matter how long it takes. It also underscores the importance of international cooperation in bringing criminals to justice, even decades after their alleged crimes.