HANFORD, CA – Authorities have issued an urgent Amber Alert for two young girls, 3-year-old Arya Maldonado and 2-year-old Alana Maldonado, who were abducted by their father, 23-year-old Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, after he allegedly fatally shot their mother in Hanford, California, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Law enforcement officials warn that Maldonado-Cruz is armed and dangerous and may be attempting to flee toward Mexico.

The California Highway Patrol activated the Amber Alert early Wednesday morning across multiple counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside, as the suspect remains at large with the children. The Kings County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with state and federal authorities, has launched an extensive manhunt to locate Maldonado-Cruz and safely recover Arya and Alana Maldonado.

Incident Details

At approximately 9:45 p.m. on January 28, Hanford Police responded to reports of gunfire at a residence on the 800 block of West Lacey Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers found 25-year-old Maria Fernanda Lopez dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported hearing a heated argument between Lopez and her estranged partner, Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, before gunshots rang out. Following the shooting, Maldonado-Cruz fled the scene with their two young daughters.

Authorities believe the suspect left in a gray 2020 Hyundai Elantra, bearing California license plate 8LZD084. Investigators suspect he may be heading south toward the U.S.-Mexico border in an attempt to evade capture.

Suspect Information

• Name: Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz
• Age: 23
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Brown
• Last Seen Wearing: Black hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans, and sneakers
• Vehicle: 2020 Hyundai Elantra (Gray)
• License Plate: California 8LZD084

Maldonado-Cruz has a history of domestic disputes with Lopez, and authorities believe the homicide may have been premeditated. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous, and the public is urged not to approach him but instead call 911 immediately if he is spotted.

Missing Children’s Details

Arya Maldonado (3 years old)

• Height: 3 feet
• Weight: 25 lbs
• Hair Color: Brown
• Eye Color: Brown

Alana Maldonado (2 years old)

• Height: 2 feet 5 inches
• Weight: 20 lbs
• Hair Color: Brown
• Eye Color: Brown

The girls were last seen wearing pink pajamas and light jackets. Authorities are particularly concerned for their well-being, given the violent nature of their abduction.

Law Enforcement Response and Community Efforts

Local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service, are working together to track the suspect. Law enforcement officials have deployed aerial surveillance, ground patrols, and border checkpoints to prevent Maldonado-Cruz from leaving the country.

Community members have come together to assist authorities by distributing flyers and sharing Amber Alert information on social media. Hanford Police Chief Greg Patterson emphasized the urgency of the situation:

“This is a tragic and urgent case. We are doing everything in our power to locate these innocent children and bring them home safely. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the suspect or his vehicle immediately.”

Legal Proceedings and Domestic Violence History

Court records indicate that Lopez had filed a restraining order against Maldonado-Cruz in December 2024, citing threats and previous violent behavior. The order was granted but had yet to be served. Investigators believe the escalating domestic violence may have led to the fatal shooting.

District Attorney Daniel Reynolds confirmed that Maldonado-Cruz will face capital murder charges along with child endangerment, kidnapping, and weapons violations.

“We will pursue full justice for Maria Lopez and ensure that Arya and Alana are returned safely. Any individual assisting Maldonado-Cruz in his flight will also face criminal charges,” Reynolds stated.

How the Public Can Help

Authorities urge anyone who sees Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, the vehicle, or the missing children to take the following actions:

• Call 911 immediately – Do not approach the suspect.
• Report tips to the Kings County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 852-2720.
• Share Amber Alert information on social media and community bulletin boards.

Continuing Updates

The Kings County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference at 3:00 p.m. today to provide further updates. Authorities are hopeful that with the Amber Alert activation and public cooperation, Arya and Alana Maldonado will be found safely soon.

For live updates, follow the California Highway Patrol and Kings County Sheriff’s Office on social media.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more details become available.