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Tule River Tribe holding vigil for five family members who died





The Tule River Tribe of California is holding a candlelight vigil for the rest of the week in honor of five family members who were killed.

Authorities say Hector Celaya, 31, shot and killed his mother Irene Celaya, 60, and his uncles, Francisco Moreno, 61, and Bernie Moreno, 53, at a home on the reservation on Saturday night. His six-year-old son, Andrew, was also shot at the home.

Following the shooting, Celaya fled with his two other children, Linea and Alyssa Celaya, ages 5 and 8, The Visalia Times-Delta reported. He was pulled over early Sunday morning and was killed in a shootout with Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies.

Linea and Alyssa also suffered gunshot wounds. Authorities haven't determined whether Celaya shot them or if they were injured during the shootout with deputies.

Alyssa died Sunday as a result of her injuries. As of Tuesday afternoon, Linea was listed in serious condition and Andrew in critical condition, The Porterville Recorder reported.

Get the Story:
Tribe mourns as it prepares to bury its dead (The Porterville Recorder 12/12)
Inside the Mass Slaying on California’s Tule River Indian Reservation (The Daily Beast 12/12)
California Indian tribe to hold candlelight vigils to honor 5 slain reservation residents (AP 12/11)
Tule River Indian Reservation leaders: Tribe shocked by deaths (The Visalia Times-Delta 12/11)
Motive a mystery in Tule River reservation killings (The Fresno Bee 12/11)
Tulare County Indian reservation shooter had minor criminal past (The Los Angeles Times 12/11)
Reservation in shock over killings (The Porterville Recorder 12/11)
Reservation gravediggers prepare to bury 5 slain tribal members in community cemetery in Calif (AP 12/9)

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