Two Bodies Found in Backyard as Arizona Missing Family Case Turns Homicide

Key Takeaways

• Avondale police began investigating Aug. 4 after a welfare check at a Litchfield Park home found signs of foul play.
• A husband, wife and adult son are missing; two bodies have been recovered from the backyard.
• The case is now a homicide investigation, and authorities are searching for 27-year-old Matthew Flores.
• Police say the incident appears isolated and there is no active threat to the community.

Welfare Check Turned Investigation

Family members asked police to check on relatives at a home near Litchfield Road and Wigwam Boulevard. Officers entered the residence Tuesday afternoon with a family member's help. They found no one inside but discovered evidence suggesting foul play.

Initial reports differed on the timing. KYMA described the welfare check as happening Wednesday, while FOX 10 Phoenix reported officers entered Tuesday, Aug. 4. ABC15's coverage placed the home near Litchfield and Indian School roads, a different intersection than the one cited by FOX 10.

Bodies Found in Backyard

Drone video captured law enforcement using heavy machinery to dig in the backyard. A blue tent was placed over the area. By Aug. 5, the missing persons case had become a homicide investigation after two bodies were found, according to azfamily 3TV CBS 5.

Neighbors said they were shocked. One resident told FOX 10 the family had always been pleasant. Another reported hearing yelling near the home on Tuesday morning.

"We don't believe there is an active threat. We believe that this is an isolated incident," Avondale Police Officer Daniel Benavidez said.

Suspect Identified

A U.S. Marshal told azfamily that 27-year-old Matthew Flores is now an international suspect and is expected to be caught soon. Police have not confirmed his relationship to the victims or the missing third family member.

Local California Context

This case is outside California, but it has drawn national attention. For California readers, it underscores how routine welfare checks can uncover serious crimes in suburban neighborhoods.

Background

Litchfield Park is a quiet community west of Phoenix. Violent crimes are rare there, which is why the investigation has unsettled residents. Missing persons cases that escalate to homicide recoveries are uncommon in the area.

Conclusion

Authorities continue to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact Avondale Police. The search for the missing adult son and for Matthew Flores remains active.

Sources and Materials

• kyma
• fox10phoenix
• facebook