The Flores Semyonov family issued a public statement as authorities continued investigating two bodies found buried behind a Litchfield Park home.
The family said it was cooperating with law enforcement and asked for privacy while the investigation remains active.
“The Flores Semyonov family is devastated by recent events,” the statement said. “They are fully cooperating with law enforcement."
Xavier Walker, who identified himself as the family’s spokesperson, provided the statement to The Arizona Republic on Aug. 9.
The family also thanked loved ones, neighbors and the broader community for expressing concern and asked for privacy “during this difficult time," according to the statement.
Authorities continued to search for Matthew Flores, 27, whom
Avondale police have identified as a suspect in the homicide investigation.
Avondale police identified Flores as a suspect after officers conducting an Aug. 4 welfare check found signs of foul play inside a home near Litchfield and Indian School roads.
Investigators later found a large amount of blood inside the home and two decomposing bodies buried in the backyard, police said.
Police previously said they believed Flores had left the country before officers entered the home.
The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Phoenix police homicide detectives were assisting Avondale police.
Authorities had not publicly identified the two bodies in the latest information released by police.
Police also had not publicly said what happened inside the home, when the two people died or what may have led to their deaths.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Family speaks out after bodies were found in Litchfield Park backyard
