US Marshals Service leads international hunt for suspect in parents’ West Valley deaths

The Arizona district of the U.S. Marshals Service had undertaken an international fugitive investigation to find a 27-year-old man suspected in the deaths of his parents whose bodies were buried in the backyard of his family’s Litchfield Park home.

The Avondale Police Department on Aug. 7 formally requested assistance from the agency in locating and apprehending Matthew Christopher Flores Semyonov.

Police on Tuesday identified the victims as husband and wife, Hector and Larissa Flores.

Investigators said they believe Flores Semyonov fled thhe United States, according to a release Tuesday from Marshall’s Service. The U.S. Marshals Service obtained a federal arrest warrant from the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona charging Flores Semyonov with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

“The U.S. Marshals Service will use every available resource, including our domestic and international law enforcement partnerships, to locate Flores Semyonov and return him to Arizona to face justice,” U.S. Marshal Van Bayless said.

“Crossing international borders will not prevent us from pursuing those accused of committing violent crimes. We will remain steadfast in this search and in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and their family.”

The investigation began after family members requested a welfare check on Flores Semyonov and his parents. Avondale police officers searched the family’s home but did not find any of the three individuals.

During the search, investigators discovered a significant amount of blood and evidence indicating an attempt had been made to clean the residence.

A subsequent search of the property led investigators to discover human remains buried in the backyard. Positive identification of the remains is pending.

The Avondale Police Department remains the lead agency responsible for the criminal investigation into the disappearance and suspected deaths of Flores Semyonov’s parents “and is working closely with federal law enforcement partners to advance their investigation,” the release stated.

Anyone with information regarding Flores Semyonov’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED-2 or send tip information to usmstips@usdoj.gov. 

Flores Semyonov should be considered dangerous, and members of the public should not approach or attempt to apprehend him and should immediately contact law enforcement if he is seen, federal officials said.

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