Executive Summary
- The California Highway Patrol has issued an Amber Alert for Romeo Ordonez, 12, and Sofia Ordonez, 9.
- The suspect is identified as 45-year-old Cristal Ordonez.
- Authorities are searching for a black 2018 Kia Sorrento SUV with California license plate 8LRF237.
- The group was last seen in Santa Clarita near River Circle and Soledad Canyon Road.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) issued an Amber Alert on Thursday for two children allegedly abducted in Santa Clarita, launching a frantic search for the victims and a female suspect. Authorities are seeking public assistance in locating 12-year-old Romeo Ordonez and 9-year-old Sofia Ordonez, who were last seen on Wednesday afternoon in the company of 45-year-old Cristal Ordonez.
According to the CHP, the three individuals were last spotted approximately at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday near the intersection of River Circle and Soledad Canyon Road. Law enforcement officials have formally described the incident as an abduction, prompting the statewide alert to mobilize motorists and residents in the search effort.
Investigators have provided specific descriptions of the individuals involved. Cristal Ordonez is described as 5 feet tall, weighing 135 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She is believed to be operating a black 2018 Kia Sorrento SUV bearing the California license plate 8LRF237.
The missing children have also been described by authorities to aid in identification. Romeo Ordonez is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes. Sofia Ordonez is 4 feet tall, weighs 70 pounds, and also has brown hair and brown eyes. Officials have urged anyone who spots the vehicle or individuals matching these descriptions to call 911 immediately.
Investigative Outlook and Community Alert
The activation of the Amber Alert system indicates that law enforcement believes the children are in imminent danger. In cases of familial or non-familial abduction, the immediate dissemination of vehicle information is a critical component of the recovery strategy, relying heavily on real-time tips from the public to narrow the search radius. While Cristal Ordonez has been identified as the suspect in this abduction case, it is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
