Amber Alert Canceled: Kings County Sisters Found Safe After Father Allegedly Kills Mother

Hanford,-Two young sisters, 3-year-old Arya Maldonado and 2-year-old Alana Maldonado, have been found safe after an Amber Alert was issued earlier this week. Their father, Jonathan Maldonado Cruz, 23, is accused of fatally shooting their mother, 22-year-old Madeline Rose Cuevas, before fleeing with the children.

Authorities feared Cruz may have attempted to take the girls to Mexico, prompting an extensive search that included Kings County as well as Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside counties.

On Thursday, officials confirmed the girls were safely located and that Cruz had been taken into custody with the assistance of state and federal law enforcement.

Details of the Case

According to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Tuesday when Cruz allegedly shot and killed Cuevas at a residence in Hanford, located in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Investigators say he then fled the scene with their two daughters in a 2020 gray Hyundai Elantra, bearing California license plate 8LZD084.

Given the violent nature of the crime, authorities warned that Cruz was considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement agencies worked swiftly to track his movements, fearing he was attempting to escape across the border.

Recovery of the Children

Thanks to coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, Arya and Alana were safely found, though officials have not yet disclosed the exact location of their recovery. Authorities have also not released details about Cruz’s arrest, but he is now in custody as the investigation continues.

The Kings County Sheriff’s Office has urged anyone with additional information regarding the case to come forward. Meanwhile, the community of Hanford mourns the loss of Madeline Rose Cuevas as her loved ones seek justice.

This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their investigation.