Kings County authorities, with other agencies assistance, recovered two missing children and arrested their father in Mexico after a fatal shooting. (Kings County SO)
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
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 Sheriffโs 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 victimโs 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 victimโs phone.
Maldonado-Cruzโs 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 Sheriffโs 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 communityโs involvement in spreading awareness and helping accelerate the return of the children and the arrest of Maldonado-Cruz.
The Kings County Sheriffโs 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 Countyโs District Attorneyโs office said that they will not have the full story to charge Maldonado-Cruz formally until the sheriffโs office has completed their investigation.
โ
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Fires Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Two Other Military Officers
2 days ago
Less Is More: 5 Ingredient Dinners Are Easier Than You Think
2 days ago
Musk Gives All Federal Workers 48 Hours to Explain What They Did Last Week
1 day ago
Fresno State Suspends 2 Players, Removes Another Amid Gambling Investigation
1 day ago
Officer Killed After Gunman Took Hostages at Pennsylvania Hospital
1 day ago
Kash Patel Plans to Move Up to 1,500 Workers Out of Washington
2 days ago
US and Ukraine Nearing Rare Earths Deal That Would Tighten Relationship
2 days ago
Trump Fires Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Two Other Military Officers
2 days ago
Less Is More: 5 Ingredient Dinners Are Easier Than You Think
2 days ago
Musk Gives All Federal Workers 48 Hours to Explain What They Did Last Week
1 day ago
Fresno State Suspends 2 Players, Removes Another Amid Gambling Investigation
1 day ago
Officer Killed After Gunman Took Hostages at Pennsylvania Hospital
1 day ago
Kash Patel Plans to Move Up to 1,500 Workers Out of Washington
2 days ago
US and Ukraine Nearing Rare Earths Deal That Would Tighten Relationship
2 days ago
Trump Fires Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Two Other Military Officers
2 days ago
Less Is More: 5 Ingredient Dinners Are Easier Than You Think
2 days ago
Spring Break Prices Hit Record High โ These Affordable Destinations Are Trending
19 hours ago
Categories

Spring Break Prices Hit Record High โ These Affordable Destinations Are Trending

Then and Now: How Republican Senators Have Shifted Tone on Russia and Ukraine

Pope Francis in Critical Condition After Long Respiratory Crisis

Musk Gives All Federal Workers 48 Hours to Explain What They Did Last Week

Fresno State Suspends 2 Players, Removes Another Amid Gambling Investigation

Officer Killed After Gunman Took Hostages at Pennsylvania Hospital
