A former Native American tribal leader fatally shot four people on Thursday during an eviction hearing, the New York Daily News reported.
Cherie Lash Rhodes, ex-chairwoman of Cedarville Rancheria in California, allegedly opened fire at four people in an office and also shot at a fifth person trying to escape the scene. After running out of ammunition, she grabbed a knife and began stabbing a sixth person.
Alturas Police Chief Ken Barnes said Rhodes was "systematically shooting individuals" and still had the knife in hand when they arrived to the gruesome scene that afternoon.
"This is like nothing I have had to deal with in my 25 years of being with the city of Alturas," Barnes added. "It's just tragic."
An employee at the office helped tackle Rhodes until authorities arrived and detained her.
The victims were a 19-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, 45-year-old woman, and 50-year-old man -- one of which was the tribe's leader. Their names have not been released.
Two victims of the attack were listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery. One was shot at least four of five times and possibly stabbed and the other was shot once.
Rhodes faces attempted murder and murder charges.
The bloodshed began after Rhodes attended the trial, where she and her son faced eviction from the Rancheria, located in northern California.
According to their website, the Cedarville Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe with 35 members.
