Man Sought In 2000 Death Of 5-Year-Old Philly Girl Captured: Feds

PHILADELPHIA — A man wanted by federal authorities in connection with the 2000 death of a 5-year-old Philadelphia girl is in custody, authorities said.

Alexis Flores was apprehended recently, according to the FBI.

Flores was wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a five-year-old girl in Philadelphia. The girl, Iriana DeJesus, was reported missing on July 29, 2000. She was found strangled to death in a nearby apartment on August 3, 2000.

On March 22, 2007, a local arrest warrant was obtained in Pennsylvania after Flores was charged with murder and other felonies. On the same day, a federal arrest warrant was issued after Flores was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

"After more than 25 years on the run, this arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice," FBI Director Kash Patel said on social media, while sharing a Fox News article saying Flores was taken into custody in Honduras. "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. We will never stop pursuing those who harm our most vulnerable."