Parents found buried behind home in wealthy neighborhood as police launch international manhunt for son
An international manhunt is underway for an Arizona man who's a suspect in the deaths of both his parents, with police finding their bodies buried in a backyard.
Officials said on Friday that two bodies were located in the backyard of a Litchfield Park, Arizona home. 27-year-old Matthew Flores was named as a suspect in their disappearance and death, and investigators believe he has fled the country.
Flores' mother and father were the individuals found dead.
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Avondale Police Officer Daniel Benavidez said during a press conference that officers found large amounts of blood in the house as well as evidence someone tried to clean it, which he said indicates foul play.
The three people disappeared under "suspicious circumstances," which led to a missing persons investigation being opened.
A mini excavator was needed to get the bodies out of the backyard.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals service are involved in the search for Flores, who officials believe has fled the country.
"I can’t tell you how many hours or days, but what I can say is that the bodies are in a state of decomposition," Benavidez said.
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People who knew Flores told FOX 10 they were surprised he is considered a suspect, adding they knew him to be a kind and sweet man.
The Flores family said in a statement that they are "devastated."
"The Flores Semyonov family is devastated by recent events," the representative said. "They are fully cooperating with law enforcement. Because this is an ongoing investigation, the family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time. Their deepest gratitude is extended to their loved ones, neighbors, and the community at large who have expressed concern."