On Tuesday, a woman was found dead in Hanford and her children were missing. The children were found safe within 24 hours, but the Amber Alert was sent out more than 13 hours after the discovery of the death.

Deputies are looking for 23-year-old Jonathan Alexis Maldonado-Cruz of Hanford who alleged shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and took two children with him. An Amber Alert was issued. The victim and suspect are the parents of the two children though they are ex-girlfriend and ex-boyfriend, Mazza said.

Authorities believe the girls’ father, who is said to be armed and dangerous, fled to Mexico with his daughters.