Amber Alert issued for Kentucky 5-year-old after mother, Kelly Black, found dead

Law enforcement in Kentucky were searching Monday for a young girl a day after her mother was fatally shot. Police say the girl is believed to be with her father, the suspect in the killing.

An Amber Alert issued by the Kentucky State Police said 5-year-old Lela Black is likely with her father, Byron Black, a fugitive being sought in connection with the death of Kelly Black, Lela's mother. No one has heard from Lela or Byron Black since Friday, the alert said. Police described Byron Black, 42, as potentially "armed and dangerous."

On Sunday, authorities found Kelly Black dead at a home in Princeton, Kentucky, police said. She died of an apparent gunshot wound to the back of her head.

Authorities soon issued a warrant for the arrest of Byron Black.

The Kentucky State Police said Byron and Lela Black could be in a 1996 Chevrolet Silverado with paint peeling off the hood and a California license plate 5J83779. Byron Black has brown eyes and brown hair and is six feet tall. Lela Black is 3 feet 6 inches tall, with brown hair and eyes, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Officials urge anyone with information about Lela or Byron Black to call the Kentucky State Police at (270) 676-3313.

Last year, 149 children were rescued because of Amber Alerts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. A USA TODAY investigation published last year shows Amber Alerts are extremely rare and, even when they are used, it’s unclear how much they help bring children home safely.