Kings County authorities, with other agencies assistance, recovered two missing children and arrested their father in Mexico after a fatal shooting. (Kings County SO)
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A 24-hour, multi-agency effort led to the safe recovery of two young children and the arrest of their father, who was wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of their mother, Madeline Rose Cuevas, and the kidnapping of the children, authorities said at a news conference on Thursday.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office, working with other agencies like the FBI field offices in Fresno and San Diego, tracked the suspect, Jonathan Maldonado-Cruz, 23, after he fled to Tijuana, Mexico, with the children.
The investigation, which began Tuesday after the victim’s father alerted deputies, quickly expanded to state and federal levels.
Related Story: Kings County Woman Found Dead, Armed Suspect Fled With Two Young Children
Deputies responded to a home near Orchard Drive and 4th Place around 4 p.m. Tuesday and found the woman dead from a gunshot wound.
Authorities said they did not want to disclose any additional details about the gunshot wound during the press conference.
Authorities believe Maldonado-Cruz left the residence with his children, ages 2 and 3, late Sunday or early Monday morning.
By the time law enforcement was alerted, he had an estimated 15-hour head start, authorities said.
The FBI tracked his cell phone and discovered he also had the victim’s phone.
Maldonado-Cruz’s mother played a critical role in the arrest, officials said. His mother reached out to authorities that the suspect was willing to turn himself in.
Related Story: Kings County Children Found After Amber Alert Issued, Suspect in Custody
The Children Are Safe and on Their Way Home
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that its detectives, with assistance from state and federal partners, located Alana and Arya Maldonado unharmed Tuesday morning. Maldonado-Cruz was taken into custody.
Authorities credited the community’s involvement in spreading awareness and helping accelerate the return of the children and the arrest of Maldonado-Cruz.
The Kings County Sheriff’s Office said that the kids were on their way back home from Mexico, along with their father who will remain in custody.
Officials also thanked Mexican authorities, noting that one was injured during the operation.
The Tulare County’s District Attorney’s office said that they will not have the full story to charge Maldonado-Cruz formally until the sheriff’s office has completed their investigation.
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