Remains found in backyard of missing family's home, son may have have fled US

Police believe the son, Matthew Flores, 27, fled before officers' welfare check.

A homicide investigation is underway after two bodies were discovered in an Arizona family's backyard, and the alleged suspect is believed to have fled the country, authorities announced Thursday.

The case began when relatives requested a welfare check for three residents -- a husband, wife and their adult son -- at their home in Litchfield Park, a community about 20 miles outside of Phoenix, the Avondale Police Department said.

The house was empty during Tuesday's welfare check, but police said officers found indications of potential foul play -- a "large amount of blood" and an apparent attempt to conceal the blood -- and they launched a missing persons investigation.

Authorities announced on Thursday that two unidentified bodies, both in a state of decomposition, have been found buried in the yard. Police said the case is being investigated as a homicide.

Police now consider the missing adult son, 27-year-old Matthew Flores, an alleged suspect, and say they believe he fled the U.S. before Tuesday's welfare check.

The names of the husband and wife have not been released at the family's request, police said.

There's no known threat to the community, police added.

Anyone with information on Matthew Flores' whereabouts is asked to call the Avondale Police Department at 623-333-7001.

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