Father of missing Maryland girl charged with mother's murder

DUNDALK, Md., March 7 (UPI) -- Baltimore police have issued an arrest warrant charging Timothy Virts with the first-degree murder of a woman found dead in her home Thursday and the abduction of their daughter.

An Amber Alert was issued Thursday for Caitlyn Virts, 11, after police responded to a report of a cardiac arrest and found Bobbie Cortez, 36, dead with multiple stab wounds in her Dundalk home. Police have not confirmed how Cortez died, but an autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

"Police are concerned for the safety of Caitlyn Marie Virts since she is not supposed to be with her father," a statement from police said.

Detectives say Cortez lived at the home with her three children -- Caitlyn, her twin sister and a son -- and two other adults, whose relationship with Cortez has not been verified. Caitlyn's siblings are safely in the custody of family members.

Timothy Virts is described as white, 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 280 pounds. He is believed to be driving his Dodge Durango with Maryland license plates 5AJ4458. Caitlyn is white, 5 feet tall and 80 pounds and may be wearing glasses.

Anyone with information should call 911 or (410) 307-2020.

[WTOP]