A homicide investigation is underway after two bodies were found buried in the backyard of a family’s home in Arizona and investigators believe the suspect has fled the country.
27-year-old Matthew Flores allegedly left the United States after his parents were found dead in his home in Arizona, according to authorities on Thursday.
Flores is “considered an alleged suspect in the investigation,” according to the Avondale Police Department.
The investigation began as a missing person’s case “involving suspicious circumstances,” police said. It escalated into a homicide investigation after the welfare check was conducted at the home on Verbena and Mesquite Lane on Aug. 4.
Concerned family members requested the welfare check for the husband, wife, and adult son who live at the residence in Litchfield Park after they had not been seen or heard from in a while.
When officers entered the home, nobody was inside, but police found a significant amount of blood inside the residence, along with evidence suggesting attempts had been made to clean the scene.
During a subsequent search of the property, investigators uncovered two decomposed bodies buried in the backyard.
“Detectives believe Matthew fled the country prior to officers conducting the welfare check of the interior of the residence,” a police spokesperson told NTD in an emailed statement.
Detectives are actively investigating the case and are limiting the release of information to protect the integrity of the investigation.
At the family's request, the identities of the husband and wife are not being released. The human remains recovered have not yet been identified and are awaiting autopsy, and investigators have not determined how long they were buried.
Officials are withholding information about the suspect's whereabouts or any possible locations to which he may have fled.
The suspect lived in the home with the husband and wife, and three vehicles believed to be connected to the investigation have been processed for evidence, according to police.
The United States Marshals Service and the FBI are assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the investigation or the whereabouts of Flores is urged to contact local law enforcement.
“This incident is believed to be isolated, and there is no danger to the community,” police told NTD.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the investigation remains active.