Search Continues For 6-Year-Old Texas Girl
Save Email Print
Search Continues For 6-Year-Old Texas Girl
The search continued Thursday for a 6-year-old Texas girl who’s the focus of an Amber Alert after she was abducted by her mother, who’s also suspected in the beating of her mother, who had conservatorship of the young girl.
Font Size:

(November 20, 2008)-- The search continued Thursday for a 6-year-old Texas girl who’s the focus of an Amber Alert after she was abducted by her mother, who’s also suspected in the beating of her mother, who had conservatorship of the young girl.

Authorities say Tonya Renee Martin, 41, took Jewel Noel Klein Tuesday from Rebecca Creek Elementary School in Spring Branch.

Officials say they also suspect Martin of severely beating her 68-year-old mother Melba Balantac.

Comal County Sheriff's Department spokesman Mark Reynolds said Balantac was beaten very badly.

The Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express-News reported that deputies were able to communicate with Balantac for a short time.

Deputies said she was able to give them some information, implicating her daughter.

Investigators realized Jewel was missing only after Balantac was taken to the hospital.

Reynolds said Martin was seen driving Balantac's blue Hyundai Sonata before the assault.

The missing girl is white, about 4-feet tall, weighs about 60 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes.

She was wearing a red plaid sundress.

Martin is 5-foot-2, weighs 107 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes.

Martin is believed to be driving a blue 2005 Hyundai Sonata with Texas license 404ZNM.

She was last heard from in Spring Branch.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Comal County Sheriff’s Office at (830) 620-3400.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:35 PM

Why did the school let her leave with the little girl? Shouldn't they have known about the circumstances surrounding this? I hope they find her and she gets home safely.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: SHANNON Location: TEMPLE on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:40 PM

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY.
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:58 AM

Let's pull together and find her quickly..as the mother sounds like she is willing to do anything violent at this point...great job on the descriptions, to include the car!!!! Please God, bring her home safely.
[ Report Abuse ]
More Stories
Video
13 Confirmed Dead, 30 Injured In Ft. Hood Shooting
305 Comments
Local Woman Claimed She Had Cancer To Get Money For Breast Implants
128 Comments
Community Rallies In Support Of Animal Shelter After Deadly Fire
70 Comments
Apartment Complex Where Suspected Gunman Lived Evacuated
62 Comments
Jury Acquits Local Paramedic Accused Of Fondling Female Patient
59 Comments
Central Texas Boy Suffers Head, Face, Eye Injuries In Dog Attack
57 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
Army Way
Learn all about the symbols, traditions, and customs of the US Army.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Emergency Room Nurse - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage, comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A new pay scale went in to effect in October 09! Join Metroplex in extending the healing ministry of Christ.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.
AP Video