Iriana DeJesus case: Alexis Flores charged for rape and murder of 5-year-old Philadelphia girl in 2000

PHILADELPHIA — A man accused in the kidnapping, rape and murder of a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl in 2000 has been extradited from Honduras and returned to Philadelphia, marking a major development in a case that has spanned more than 25 years.

Authorities said Alexis Flores, a former member of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, was taken into custody on Sunday night in Honduras and extradited to Philadelphia. The District Attorney’s Office announced charges Tuesday.

He is being held without bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 14.

Officials credited public awareness and the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives program with helping bring Flores into custody. Family members of Iriana DeJesus said his return brings them one step closer to justice.

“I want him to suffer, suffer,” said Jose Garcia, Iriana’s uncle.

Speaking at FBI headquarters, Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, emphasized the agency’s commitment to long-running cases.

“No matter how much time has passed, no matter how much effort it takes, our commitment is always to the victims and families to provide justice,” Jacobs said.

According to authorities, Flores is accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering Iriana in 2000. The young girl disappeared from her North Philadelphia home in July 2000 while playing outside. In August, her body was found wrapped in wallpaper inside a vacant property a block away. Garcia said he never lost hope.

“Oh my God, I don’t want to cry. I used to take her to church, make them breakfast, show them the right path,” he said.

Authorities said Flores was arrested in Arizona in 2004 but did not remain in custody and was deported to Honduras. In 2007, DNA evidence linked him to Iriana’s murder, and he was identified as a suspect and added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Flores was captured in February and spent months fighting extradition, authorities said.

“Every person who is wanted for extradition outside of the territory where they are wanted has the right to contest that extradition. He was afforded that right; he exhausted all of those rights, and as a result he was extradited here last evening,” Jacobs said.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said the focus is now on seeing the case through the court system.

“This process just started; we now have a trial to go through. Part of the priority now is to get this over this finish line,” Bethel said.

For Garcia, Flores’ return signals the beginning of the next stage in the pursuit of justice.

“I cannot wait to go to court to see him,” he said.

Authorities said they do not yet have information on when a trial could take place.