Amber Alert issued for sisters allegedly taken by father suspected of killing their mother

Police in Central California have issued an Amber Alert for two missing sisters who are believed to have been abducted by their mother’s suspected killer. 

The California Highway Patrol issued an Amber Alert on Wednesday afternoon for 3-year-old Arya Maldonado, and her sister, 2-year-old Alana Maldonado, whose mother was found dead at their home on Tuesday.

Officials believe the sisters were abducted by their father, 23-year-old Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz, of Hanford, in connection to the murder of their mother. 

Around 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, Kings County Sheriff’s deputies were called to a residence in Hanford, 40 miles south of Fresno, for a welfare check on a woman.

Police believe the suspect is driving a gray 2020 Hyundai Elantra with the California License #8LZD084. (Kings County Sheriff’s Office)

Police described Arya as 3 feet tall, weighing 25 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes, while Alana is described as 2 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 20 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. It is unknown what either girl or Maldonado-Cruz was wearing.

Police in California have issued an Amber Alert for two missing sisters whose mother was found dead at their home. (Kings County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities did not share any other details about how Maldonado-Cruz was named as a suspect or any other information about the crime scene.

Anyone with information regarding this case, or the whereabouts of Maldonado-Cruz or the children are urged to contact Det. Tyler Haener at (559) 670-9320 or (559) 852-2818 or Kings County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (559) 852-2720.

Stepheny Price is writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com