This article originally appeared on KCRA.com. HANFORD, Calif. — Law enforcement issued an Amber Alert for two San Joaquin Valley children after their mother was found dead. Officials believe the father is responsible for the kidnapping and her death.

Authorities in Kings County issued an Amber Alert Wednesday for two young girls believed to have been abducted by their father after the girls' mother was found fatally shot at a residence.

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.