Update

According to KCRA, two children who were the centerpiece of a California AMBER Alert have been located safe. Their father, identified as Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, has been arrested.

The King’s County Sheriff’s Office says he’s currently facing kidnapping and homicide charges.

Initial Coverage

Police in California are searching for two children allegedly abducted by their father, sparking an AMBER Alert following their mother’s death.

The California Highway Patrol issued an AMBER Alert Wednesday afternoon for 3-year-old Arya Maldonado and her 2-year-old sister, Alana. Their mother was found dead at their home Tuesday. Police believe their father, 23-year-old Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, abducted the children in connection with their mother’s murder.

FOX News Digitsl reports that deputies said Maldonado-Cruz left the residence with the girls he shared with their mother. He drove off in a gray 2020 Hyundai Elantra with four doors and a California license plate reading “8LZD084.”

The children’s mother was found shot dead inside the home. On Wednesday, a spokesperson with the Kings County Sheriff’s Office said that they were not yet releasing the mother’s  name.

Cruz is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 215 pounds, and has brown eyes and black hair, according to the AMBER Alert.

Arya Maldonado stands 3 feet tall and weighs 25 pounds. Alana stands 2 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 20 pounds. Both girls have brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 911 immediately.

[Feature Photos via California Highway Patrol]