California Amber Alert Issued for Two Young Girls After Mother Found Dead in Hanford

Estimated read time 3 min read

An Amber Alert has been issued for 2-year-old Alana and 3-year-old Arya Maldonado after their mother was found dead in Hanford, California. The girls’ father, Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, is suspected of the shooting and is believed to be heading to Mexico with the children.

An Amber Alert was issued for two young girls, Alana and Arya Maldonado, after their mother was found dead in Hanford, California. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies to a residence on the 11500 block of Fourth Place for a welfare check on an adult female. Upon arrival, they found the woman deceased from a gunshot wound.
The investigation identified Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, the girls’ father, as the suspected shooter. Authorities believe he left the residence around 1 a.m. with the two children. An Amber Alert was issued for Kings, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Orange, and Imperial counties. The alert described the girls as having brown eyes and hair, and Maldonado-Cruz as five-foot-nine with black hair and eyes.
Maldonado-Cruz is believed to be driving a grey 2020 Hyundai Elantra with California license plate 8LZD084. He is considered armed and dangerous. The sheriff’s office is working with the California Highway Patrol to locate him and ensure the safe return of the children. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kings County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 852-2720 or provide anonymous tips at (559) 852-4554.


Q1: Who is the suspected shooter in the case?
A1: The suspected shooter is Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, the father of the two missing girls.

Q2: Where did the mother’s body get found?

A2: The mother’s body was found in a residence on the 11500 block of Fourth Place in Hanford, California.

Q3: What are the descriptions of the missing girls?

A3: The missing girls, Alana and Arya Maldonado, are both described as having brown eyes and hair. Alana is 2 years old and 2-foot-5 inches tall, weighing 20 pounds. Arya is 3 years old and 3 feet tall, weighing 25 pounds.

Q4: What vehicle is Maldonado-Cruz believed to be driving?

A4: Maldonado-Cruz is believed to be driving a grey 2020 Hyundai Elantra with California license plate 8LZD084.

Q5: How can people help in locating Maldonado-Cruz and the missing girls?

A5: People can help by contacting the Kings County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 852-2720 or providing anonymous tips at (559) 852-4554.


The Amber Alert issued for Alana and Arya Maldonado highlights the urgent need for their safe return. The investigation into their father, Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, continues as authorities work to locate him and bring him to justice. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to the safe recovery of the children.


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