Fears of cult mass suicide: Calif. authorities search for 13 missing members, including eight kids

[marmar]

California authorities are frantically searching for a missing religious sect apparently bent on mass suicide.

Authorities across the state were seeking five Salvadoran adults and eight children, ranging in age from 3 to 17, who disappeared after leaving a prayer service Saturday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials said.

"The letters essentially state that they are all going to heaven shortly to meet Jesus and their deceased relatives," a representative of the California governor's office said. "Numerous letters found say goodbye to their relatives.

"It is believed, through further investigation, that the missing persons' intentions are to commit mass suicide."

The husbands of two group members reported their wives as missing Saturday afternoon after finding a purse full of left-behind belongings - including deeds to homes, cell phones and personal notes - the Los Angeles Times reported.

Police say the group is a breakaway sect of a Palmdale, Calif., church and is headed by Reyna Marisol Chicas, 32. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/09/19/2010-09-19_fears_of_cult_mass_suicide_calif_authorities_search_for_13_missing_members_inclu.html#ixzz0zzDwYT3c