Arrest brings relief to mother decades after 5-year-old daughter’s killing in Philadelphia

Hugs and tears of joy followed the arrest of Alexis Flores in Honduras this week, bringing renewed emotion for the mother of a young girl killed more than two decades ago.

“25,000 pounds got lifted off my back…,” said Liza DeJesus.

DeJesus said she never lost hope that her daughter Iriana’s killer would be caught, even as the years passed with only memories of her child.

“I believe if you put it in God’s hands. It’s not in our time, it’s in God’s time, and you will get your justice,” DeJesus said.

Iriana was 5 years old when she was raped and strangled in July 2000. Her body was found wrapped in wallpaper in North Philadelphia in August of the same year.

In 2007, authorities identified Alexis Flores as a possible suspect.

DeJesus spoke about the case during an interview with Action News that year.

“I need this guy off the street. I need justice and for me, it feels good to get the news,” DeJesus said at the time.

Flores later ended up on the FBI’s most wanted list. FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X that Flores had been taken into custody, writing, “after more than 25 years on the run, the arrest proves time and distance do not shield violent offenders from justice.”

Authorities are now working out the details to bring him back to the United States.

“He did say the government of Honduras did give the green light, where they can extradite him back,” DeJesus said.

DeJesus said she has since forgiven Flores for his alleged crimes. Her message now, she said, is for others not to give up hope.

“She became an angel the minute she was murdered, and she’ll continue to be an angel looking over us,” DeJesus said.

It’s unclear when Flores will return to the Pennsylvania to face rape and murder charges.