More information on the group in this updated Associated Press article.
Catch it while you can:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtFlS4egcx336-SKDopQ043NIhJwD9IB5OF00
snippet:
"The men told investigators they believe group members had been "brainwashed" by Chicas, and one expressed worries that they might harm themselves, Parker said. One of the children is 3, and the others range from 12 to 17.
Chicas used to be a member of Iglesia De Cristo Miel, a Christian congregation in Palmdale, but left about two years ago without much explanation, said Pastor Felipe Vides, who said he had spoken with the sheriff's office.
"She appeared normal, calm. We didn't see anything strange," Vides told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The church has about 400 members, mostly immigrants from Latin America, Vides said.
"We were surprised and saddened that people behave in this way because this is not right," Vides said. "We are Christians, but the Bible doesn't teach things like these."
Chicas apparently had formed her own religious group, Parker said. About 12 to 15 people would gather at her home in Palmdale, a high-desert city of 139,000, and one night about a week ago, they didn't leave until 2 a.m., said neighbor Cheri Kofahl.
"We've got a group here that's practicing some orthodox and some unorthodox Christianity," Parker said. "Obviously this falls under the unorthodox."
A man at Chicas' Palmdale home who identified himself as her brother-in-law said early Sunday morning that he was sure the group would return.
"We see the news tonight and never think you know something like this happen," said the man, who would not provide his first name but said his last name was Orellana. "But they're gonna come back for sure."
Others who knew Chicas said she was devout but hardly fanatic in her religious beliefs."
and
"The last known sighting of the group was by a deputy who spoke to members at 3 a.m. Saturday while they were praying in their parked vehicles outside of a Palmdale high school, according to Parker.
When the deputy made contact, adults in the group told him they were praying against violence in schools and against sexual immorality, specifically premarital sex."
Catch it while you can:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jtFlS4egcx336-SKDopQ043NIhJwD9IB5OF00
snippet:
"The men told investigators they believe group members had been "brainwashed" by Chicas, and one expressed worries that they might harm themselves, Parker said. One of the children is 3, and the others range from 12 to 17.
Chicas used to be a member of Iglesia De Cristo Miel, a Christian congregation in Palmdale, but left about two years ago without much explanation, said Pastor Felipe Vides, who said he had spoken with the sheriff's office.
"She appeared normal, calm. We didn't see anything strange," Vides told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The church has about 400 members, mostly immigrants from Latin America, Vides said.
"We were surprised and saddened that people behave in this way because this is not right," Vides said. "We are Christians, but the Bible doesn't teach things like these."
Chicas apparently had formed her own religious group, Parker said. About 12 to 15 people would gather at her home in Palmdale, a high-desert city of 139,000, and one night about a week ago, they didn't leave until 2 a.m., said neighbor Cheri Kofahl.
"We've got a group here that's practicing some orthodox and some unorthodox Christianity," Parker said. "Obviously this falls under the unorthodox."
A man at Chicas' Palmdale home who identified himself as her brother-in-law said early Sunday morning that he was sure the group would return.
"We see the news tonight and never think you know something like this happen," said the man, who would not provide his first name but said his last name was Orellana. "But they're gonna come back for sure."
Others who knew Chicas said she was devout but hardly fanatic in her religious beliefs."
and
"The last known sighting of the group was by a deputy who spoke to members at 3 a.m. Saturday while they were praying in their parked vehicles outside of a Palmdale high school, according to Parker.
When the deputy made contact, adults in the group told him they were praying against violence in schools and against sexual immorality, specifically premarital sex."
