13 Members (Including Eight Children) of "Cult-Like" Group Missing | May Have Plans for Mass Suicide | Palmdale, California | Videos

14 members of 'cult-like' group missing Six adults and eight children of a “cult-like” group in southern California were reported missing Saturday after they left behind notes saying they were going to meet Jesus and dead relatives, authorities say Police: Missing 'cult-like' group may have plans for mass suicide By the CNN Wire Staff September 19, 2010 3:32 a.m. EDT Members of a church group led by Reyna Chicas were reported missing amid fears they may be planning to take their own lives. STORY HIGHLIGHTS * NEW: Letters indicate plans for a mass suicide * Authorities say the group's notes say members are going to meet Jesus and dead relatives * The group leaves behind deeds to homes, cash and notes Los Angeles, California (CNN) — A “cult-like” group of 14 Salvadorans — including eight children — is missing in southern California after leaving behind notes indicating plans to commit a mass suicide, authorities said. The six boys and two girls in the group are ages 3 to 17, said Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. “The letters essentially state that they [missing persons] are all going to heaven shortly to meet Jesus and their deceased relatives,” 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.” Investigators issued an alert Saturday night asking for assistance in locating the group from Palmdale. The alert was issued after two husbands of church members reported them missing, the governor's office said in a statement. Though the notes did not mention suicide, the outcome seems like a strong possibility, Whitmore said. The group is traveling in three vehicles — a 2004 Nissan Quest, a 1995 Mercury Villager and a remodeled Toyota Tundra, according to Whitmore. The group was reported missing Saturday afternoon — after it held a prayer meeting. “They left behind personal belongings and written notes … [saying] they're going to see dead relatives and Jesus,” Whitmore said. Items left behind include deeds to homes and cash, indicating “that someone is leaving it behind,” Whitmore said. The spokesman issued a televised plea to the group. “If you're watching this, come home,” Whitmore said. “Come home alive to the people who care for you.” Anyone with information is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. CNN's Ninette Sosa and Rick Martin contributed to this report. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/19/california.missing.group/index.html?hpt=T1 added by: EthicalVegan

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