Introduction to the Case
A man who fought extradition from Mexico for two years has been charged in a 1995 Cicero double homicide, Cicero police announced at a news conference Friday afternoon, one day before the 30th anniversary of the fatal shootings.
Daniel Flores, 49, was arrested in February 2023 in Guanajuato, Mexico, where he fought extradition to the U.S. police said. He was brought to the U.S. and charged with two counts of first-degree murder Wednesday and was ordered held awaiting trial.
Background on the Investigation
“For the past 30 years our detectives have been working diligently on this case,” said Cicero Police Supt. Thomas Boyle. “Their hard work has brought much-needed closure to the Fields family.”
Cicero Police Supt. Thomas Boyle speaks to reporters about the arrest of Daniel Flores, who was wanted in the 1995 slaying of brothers Michael and John Fields.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Details of the Crime
On April 12, 1995, Flores allegedly shot brothers John Fields, 22, and Michael Fields, 19, in the 2900 block of 50th Court at 2 a.m. after an altercation, Cicero police said. John Fields had served in the Marines, and Michael Fields was an active-duty Marine at the time of his death.
Francisco Diaz, deputy superintendent of investigations with the Cicero Police Department, said Flores knew the Fields brothers because they lived in the same neighborhood and they’d gotten into previous altercations.
The case was reopened in 2013 after police say a key witness came forward. The witness was in Mexico with Flores, where Flores fled shortly after the shootings. A warrant for Flores’ arrest was issued in March 2016, authorities said.
“We had a hard time finding her because she was in Mexico with him,” Diaz said of the witness. “She was definitely on our radar.”
Reaction and Aftermath
Family members of slain Michael and John Fields hug Cicero police officers Friday after a news conference about the arrest of Daniel Flores, who has been wanted by police since the 1995 slaying of Michael and John.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Several members of the Fields family stood with police during the news conference, but they didn’t speak to media.
“As former military personnel, I took this personally,” Diaz said. “It’s very rewarding for us, but most importantly, hopefully this brings some closure to the family.”
Flores is due back in court May 2.
Conclusion
The arrest of Daniel Flores brings a measure of closure to the Fields family and the community, 30 years after the tragic event. The dedication and perseverance of the Cicero police department have been crucial in solving this case, and their efforts serve as a testament to the importance of never giving up on justice.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Daniel Flores?
A: Daniel Flores is a 49-year-old man who has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the 1995 slaying of brothers Michael and John Fields. - Q: Where was Daniel Flores arrested?
A: Flores was arrested in February 2023 in Guanajuato, Mexico. - Q: Why did it take so long to arrest Daniel Flores?
A: Flores fought extradition from Mexico for two years, which delayed his arrest and charging in the U.S. - Q: What was the relationship between Daniel Flores and the victims?
A: According to the police, Flores knew the Fields brothers because they lived in the same neighborhood and had gotten into previous altercations. - Q: What is the current status of Daniel Flores?
A: Flores has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and is being held awaiting trial, with his next court appearance scheduled for May 2.
