Amber Alert Issued for Two Young Girls Abducted by Suspect in Kings County Homicide: Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz on the Run
HANFORD, CA — A tragic and heart-wrenching crime has unfolded in Hanford, California, leading to the issuance of an Amber Alert across much of Central and Southern California. Authorities are urgently searching for Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, a 23-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting his girlfriend, the mother of two young daughters, before fleeing with the children. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the woman’s death and the abduction of Arya Maldonado, 3, and Alana Maldonado, 2, as law enforcement agencies launch a massive search operation.
The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when Maldonado-Cruz allegedly shot the children’s mother in a violent act of domestic violence in Hanford. After killing the woman, Maldonado-Cruz reportedly fled the scene with the two girls in a 2020 Hyundai Elantra, sparking a nationwide search for the family and their alleged abductor. The authorities have warned that the suspect is armed and dangerous, and the Amber Alert has now spread across multiple counties in California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside, as they believe he may be heading toward Mexico.
Suspect and Vehicle Details:
Authorities have provided the following description of the suspect, Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, who is considered to be extremely dangerous:
- Suspect’s Name: Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz
- Age: 23
- Height: 5’9”
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Hair: Black
- Eyes: Brown
- Status: Armed and dangerous
Additionally, Maldonado-Cruz is believed to be driving a gray 2020 Hyundai Elantra, with California license plate 8LZD084. The vehicle was last seen leaving the scene in Hanford, and authorities are concerned the suspect may be attempting to flee the country by heading toward Mexico.
The Missing Children:
The two young girls abducted by Maldonado-Cruz are identified as:
- Arya Maldonado, 3 years old
- Height: 3 feet
- Weight: 25 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
- Alana Maldonado, 2 years old
- Height: 2 feet 5 inches
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Hair: Brown
- Eyes: Brown
The children were reportedly taken from their home in Hanford after their mother’s tragic death. Authorities have stated that they do not know the exact condition of the children but are working tirelessly to locate them and bring them to safety. The Amber Alert remains in effect as the search intensifies.
Tragic Incident: Domestic Violence Ends in Murder
The situation that led to the Amber Alert began on the evening of January 28, 2025, when Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz reportedly entered a domestic dispute with the mother of his children, a woman who has not yet been publicly identified. According to witnesses and law enforcement reports, the argument escalated violently, and Maldonado-Cruz allegedly shot the woman in cold blood. Law enforcement authorities confirmed her death at the scene.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the call reporting the shooting and found the woman deceased. However, when they arrived, Maldonado-Cruz had already fled the scene with his two daughters in tow, prompting an immediate investigation into the abduction.
The Amber Alert: A Desperate Search for Arya and Alana
As law enforcement officers scrambled to gather information and locate Maldonado-Cruz, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued an Amber Alert to aid in the search for the children. The alert sent shockwaves throughout the region, urging residents in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside counties to be on high alert for the suspect and the two missing girls.
Authorities have emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning the public not to approach Maldonado-Cruz if they spot him. As a fugitive wanted for murder and armed with an unknown weapon, he is considered dangerous, and any attempts to confront him could result in further harm. The CHP has asked that anyone with information immediately call 911, as every moment is critical in the effort to locate Arya and Alana and ensure their safety.
The Community’s Response: A Call for Help
The abduction of Arya and Alana Maldonado has shaken the community in Hanford and beyond. Local residents have expressed their shock and disbelief at the events, many offering support to the extended family of the victims. On social media, people have been sharing the Amber Alert details, spreading the word about the missing children in hopes of bringing them home safely.
“We are praying for these two innocent children,” one concerned citizen wrote. “The entire community is behind them, and we just want to see them come back home. We cannot imagine the pain their family is going through right now.”
At the same time, many are offering condolences and tributes to the woman whose life was tragically cut short. Although her name has not been released, the heartbreak of her passing has deeply affected the community. Local organizations have been reaching out to the family to provide support and resources during this incredibly difficult time.
A Growing Investigation: Search for the Suspect
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, and federal agencies are working in tandem to locate Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz and the two missing children. Investigators have stated that they are following several leads, including the possibility that Maldonado-Cruz may have crossed into Mexico. The FBI is also assisting in the search, providing additional resources and support in the ongoing investigation.
“We are doing everything we can to find these children and bring them to safety,” said a spokesperson for the Kings County Sheriff’s Office. “This is a deeply tragic situation, and our priority is to ensure that the children are located quickly and returned home to their family.”
The search is expected to intensify over the coming days, with law enforcement agencies deploying additional personnel to various points along the border and in areas where they believe Maldonado-Cruz may be headed.
The Consequences of Domestic Violence: Raising Awareness
This heartbreaking case highlights the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on families. Experts on domestic violence and child advocacy are speaking out about the case, underscoring the importance of providing resources and support for those in abusive relationships before tragedies like this unfold.
“Domestic violence is a cycle that too often leads to devastating consequences,” said one expert in family law. “The victims are not just the immediate family members, but the entire community, as this case tragically demonstrates.”
As authorities continue to investigate, this case has become a focal point for those working to raise awareness about domestic violence, especially in communities where these incidents often go unreported.
What’s Next: Authorities Remain on High Alert
While the search continues, authorities have promised to provide further updates as new information becomes available. In the coming days, more information about the investigation may be released, including details about the suspect’s whereabouts and potential sightings of the missing children.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If you believe you have seen Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, his vehicle, or the missing children, please do not hesitate to contact law enforcement.
The Amber Alert remains in effect, and authorities are working tirelessly to locate Arya and Alana and ensure their safe return. The investigation into the tragic shooting and abduction is ongoing, and as the case develops, the community continues to rally around the victims and offer support to those who are grieving.
