Man Captured for 2000 Rape, Murder of 5-Year-Old Girl After 25 Years on the Run

Fugitive Alexis Flores has been arrested for his suspected involvement in the 2000 rape and murder of a 5-year-old girl after 25 years on the run.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A man who was once named to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list has been captured 25 years after he allegedly raped and murdered a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia. Alexis Flores was identified as a suspect when his DNA matched evidence found at the crime scene, and he was added to the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list in 2007. Flores was imprisoned in Arizona and deported to Honduras after his release in 2005 for an unrelated crime, but he was recently apprehended in Honduras by the FBI and its international partners.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of persistent law enforcement efforts and international cooperation in bringing long-sought fugitives to justice, even decades after their alleged crimes. The apprehension of Flores, who was accused of a horrific crime against a child, provides some closure for the victim's family and community, and sends a strong message that violent offenders cannot evade accountability through time and distance.

The details

Flores was identified as a suspect when it was discovered that his DNA matched evidence found at the Philadelphia crime scene where 5-year-old I'riana DeJesus was found strangled to death in 2000. He was added to the FBI's 'Ten Most Wanted' list in 2007 after a local arrest warrant was obtained in Pennsylvania, charging him with murder and other felonies. Flores had allegedly 'disappeared' from the Philadelphia area around the same time DeJesus was reported missing.

  • In late July 2000, DeJesus was first reported missing.
  • In early August 2000, DeJesus's body was found dead inside an apartment building just a few blocks away from where she lived in Philadelphia.
  • On March 22, 2007, a local arrest warrant was obtained in Pennsylvania, charging Flores with murder and other felonies.
  • On March 22, 2007, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, when Flores was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
  • In 2025, Flores was removed from the FBI's Most Wanted List following an overall program review.

The players

Alexis Flores

A fugitive who was once named to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list and is suspected of raping and murdering a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia in 2000.

I'riana DeJesus

A 5-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Philadelphia in 2000.

Kash Patel

The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After more than 25 years on the run, this arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice. Thanks to our FBI teams and international partners, a fugitive accused of a horrific crime against a child is in custody and on a path back to the U.S.”

— Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (X)

What’s next

Flores will be extradited to the United States to face charges for the 2000 rape and murder of I'riana DeJesus.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of persistent law enforcement efforts and international cooperation in bringing long-sought fugitives to justice, even decades after their alleged crimes. The apprehension of Flores provides some closure for the victim's family and community, and sends a strong message that violent offenders cannot evade accountability through time and distance.