Utah Amber Alert Issued After Mother, Grandmother Abduct 4 Kids

SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT — An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday morning after authorities said a mother in South Salt Lake refused to hand over her children to the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, and instead fled with the kids and their grandmother.

A court gave custody of the children to the state at a hearing Wednesday morning, authorities said. The state Division of Child and Family Services had a court order and warrant to remove the children, but the mother and grandmother refused to turn over the kids, and instead fled, an Amber Alert said.

Law enforcement officials have "credible information" that children's lives "may be in danger," the Amber Alert said.

Authorities were searching for two vehicles in connection with the abductions: A tan, 2004 Ford Explorer SUV with a missing front passenger hubcap and no front license plate; and a gray 1999 Dodge Durango with no plates and a temporary tag on the rear driver's side.

The two suspects were identified as Yaneli and Maria Murillo, ages 22 and 38, respectively.

Yaneli Murillo was last seen wearing a black jacket and purple or pink pants, authorities said. She stands 5 feet, 4 inches and weighs about 110 pounds. She also has dark hair and dark eyes.

Maria Murillo stands 5 feet, 4 inches as well, and also has dark hair. Her eye color was not known. A description of her clothes wasn't immediately available.

The children were identified as 2-month-old Aaron Murillo; 2-year-old Oaklee Murillo Becerra; 11-year-old Rosa Beccerra Murillo; and 9-year-old Librado Becerra Murillo.