After 25 years, man captured in 2000 rape, murder of 5-year-old Philly girl

After more than 25 years on the run, law enforcement officials have apprehended a man sought in the 2000 rape and slaying of a 5-year-old girl in Philadelphia.

On Thursday, with a post on social media, Kash Patel, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that officials had apprehended Alexis Flores for his suspected role in the death of five-year-old I’riana DeJesus, of Philadelphia.

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.

We… pic.twitter.com/ELVBEOZL2k

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 11, 2026

DeJesus was first reported missing in late July of 2000.

In 2015, NBC10 crews attended a candlelight memorial to DeJesus.

She was later found strangled to death inside an apartment building on 8th and Pike streets in Philadelphia – just a few blocks from where she lived – in early August of 2000.

Officials later identified Alexis Flores as a possible suspect in DeJesus’ kidnapping and murder after he was arrested in Phoenix on forgery charges in 2004.

But, by the time DNA evidence linked Flores to DeJesus’ murder, he had already been deported to his native Honduras.

Flores has been on the run since then and was named to the FBI’s list of top 10 most wanted fugitives.