AMBER ALERT: Father Flees with Children, Wife Found Shot Dead in California Home

Update

According to KCRA, two children who were the centerpiece of a California AMBER Alert have been located safe. Their father, identified as Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, has been arrested.

The King’s County Sheriff’s Office says he’s currently facing kidnapping and homicide charges.

Initial Coverage

Police in California are searching for two children allegedly abducted by their father, sparking an AMBER Alert following their mother’s death.

The California Highway Patrol issued an AMBER Alert Wednesday afternoon for 3-year-old Arya Maldonado and her 2-year-old sister, Alana. Their mother was found dead at their home Tuesday. Police believe their father, 23-year-old Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, abducted the children in connection with their mother’s murder.

FOX News Digital reports that deputies said Maldonado-Cruz left the residence with the girls he shared with their mother. He drove off in a gray 2020 Hyundai Elantra with four doors and a California license plate reading “8LZD084.”

The children’s mother was found shot dead inside the home. On Wednesday, a spokesperson with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office said that they were not yet releasing the mother’s  name.

Cruz is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 215 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair, according to the AMBER Alert.

Arya Maldonado stands 3 feet tall and weighs 25 pounds. Alana stands 2 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 20 pounds. Both girls have brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 911 immediately.

[Feature Photos via California Highway Patrol]

You May Also Like

Trump says he prevented Ayatollah from a brutal death by instructing Israeli jets to abort attack in mid-flight

DONALD Trump has claimed that he saved Iran’s Supreme Leader from an…

Get to know the three sons of Jeff Bezos who recently got married and his adopted daughter from China that he keeps private.

When Jeff Bezos, the billionaire Amazon founder, ties the knot with Lauren…

The Jennifer Ellison gang war: Star’s experience in a scary drug clan battle in Liverpool

At the height of her fame Jennifer Ellison seemed destined to make…

Bryan Kohberger: Judge Refuses to Postpone Trial and Permit Defense to Introduce ‘Alternate Suspects’ at Trial

The judge overseeing the case of the criminology student accused of stabbing…

Pro-Palestine protesters cause damages to £1m worth of military equipment bound for Ukraine in warehouse break-in

A SWARM of pro-Palestinian protesters caused nearly £1million worth of damage to…

Unknown circumstances shroud deserted Maldives resort with deteriorating villas, dirty pools, and dusty massage tables

AN ABANDONED luxury resort rotting away in the Maldives with derelict villas…

Discover the challenge faced by England’s favorite footballers like Jude Bellingham, Wayne Rooney, and Frank Lampard during their time in Ibiza – revealed by a VIP hostess.

A VIP hostess who helps organise luxury holidays for footballers in Ibiza…

New discoveries about Ancient Egyptian artifacts challenge our understanding of history after being hidden for 5000 years

A Florida retailer and podcaster has unveiled a private collection of ancient…

5-year-old Child Discovered in Car Outside Nursing Home, Becoming the 9th Child Heatstroke Fatality of 2025

An investigation is underway in Ohio after a 5-year-old boy was allegedly…

Joyful Patrick Whitesell catches up with friends while enjoying his happy life with his beautiful wife Pia, while his ex Lauren Sanchez ties the knot with Jeff Bezos in Venice.

Patrick Whitesell proved he has well and truly moved on from ex-wife…

Pastry chef, lawyer, and fast food boss team up to take down Putin’s drones using a WWI-style machine gun on a truck from Leeds

It’s 3:15 in the morning, and the sun won’t rise for another…

Chants of ‘Death to America’ heard at funeral for Iranian commanders who died in conflict while Trump threatens more bombings

THE funeral for the Iranian commanders wiped out in the war has…