Coroner IDs 4 of 5 Yakama Reservation shooting victims

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) – The Yakima County coroner has released the names of four of the five people who were found shot to death on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington state.

The coroner on Tuesday identified the victims as 49-year-old Catherine Eneas; 61-year-old Dennis Overacker; 51-year-old Michelle Starnes; and 36-year-old Thomas Hernandez.

The coroner says all four suffered fatal gunshot wounds at a home in the town of White Swan.

The identity of a fifth victim has not been released as officials are still trying to notify next of kin.

Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the killings.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the slayings.

Court records say a homeowner told police that the two men linked to the killings approached his residence and briefly took a child hostage at gunpoint before they were captured later.

The documents obtained Monday said the child managed to escape as the two men demanded keys and took a vehicle.

The FBI, which has jurisdiction on reservations, hasn’t released much information about the slayings near the town of White Swan.

Sheriff Robert Udell says some of the victims were known for being involved in illegal drug activities.