Candlelight vigil set for family found dead

FARMINGTON — A candlelight vigil will be held this week in Shiprock for two sisters and their three daughters, all whom were found dead earlier this month on Santa Ana Pueblo land.

The bodies of Vanessa George and her two daughters, Zoe Becenti and Chloe Becenti, and Leticia George and her daughter, Haleigh Toledo, were found last week after they were reported missing from Albuquerque, according to media reports.

The FBI said on Friday that preliminary autopsy results have not indicated a clear cause of death for the women and the children, and results from additional tests are pending. No one has been arrested in connection to their deaths.

Navajo Nation officials released a statement on Thursday, stating the family were tribal members and the sisters were originally from Red Valley, Ariz.

The candlelight vigil will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Shiprock Chapter house. Participants are asked to bring their own candles.

In addition, a donation meeting and family gathering will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday also at the Shiprock Chapter house.

Elizabeth Curley, who is organizing both events, said it will provide the community an opportunity to support the family.

"We want the people to start healing and this is a way for them to start," Curley said, adding the events are open to church clergy to provide words of comfort and support.