What's going on: 5 adults, at least 8 children missing in possible cult suicide plot

Also: U.S. soldiers accused of killing Afghans for sport.

APReyna Chicas, leader of the "cult-like" group missing in southern California.

From Los Angeles Times:

Authorities launched a major search for five members of a cult-like group in Palmdale and at least eight children who were reported missing after leaving a prayer meeting early Saturday in a feared mass suicide plot, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said. ...

Authorities began the search after the husbands of two group members walked into a Palmdale sheriff's station at 2 p.m. carrying a bag of belongings the missing people left behind, including identification, cash, cellphones, deeds to homes and letters, officials said.

"The letters essentially state that they [the missing persons] are all going to heaven shortly to meet Jesus and their deceased relatives," the alert said. "Numerous letters found say goodbye to their relatives."

Parker said one of the husbands told deputies that he feared that the adults had been "brainwashed."

» U.S. soldiers accused of killing Afghans for sport [Telegraph]

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