An AMBER Alert was issued on Wednesday in California after a man, Jonathan Maldonado-Cruz, allegedly killed his girlfriend and abducted their two daughters.
On Tuesday, Jonathan Maldonado-Cruz, 23, reportedly fatally shot his girlfriend in Hanford and fled with their daughters, Alana and Arya Maldonado, aged 2 and 3. Authorities discovered the woman deceased during a welfare check at the residence while both Maldonado-Cruz and the children were reported missing, according to KERO.
Officials believe Maldonado-Cruz is heading to or in Mexico. KCRA reported that he has no prior criminal history.
Alana Maldonado is described as weighing 25 pounds and having brown eyes and brown hair, while Arya Maldonado is said to weigh 20 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Their clothing description remains unclear.
Maldonado-Cruz is described as standing 5 feet, 9 inches tall, weighing 215 pounds, with black hair and black eyes. The Kings County police could not provide a description of his clothing.
Authorities are searching for a 2020 gray Hyundai Elantra with California license plate number 8LZD084.
If you have any information regarding their whereabouts, please call Detective Tyler Haener at 559-670-9320 or 559-852-2818; alternatively, contact Kings County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 559-852-2720. You can also submit anonymous tips at 559-852-4554.
This story is developing…
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: California Highway Patrol]
