Glenn Calonicco, aged 30, tragically lost his life on February 20, 2014, in Alturas, California, during a violent incident at the Cedarville Rancheria tribal headquarters. The incident occurred during a meeting concerning the eviction of Cherie Lash Rhoades, a former chairwoman of the tribe, and her son from tribal land. Rhoades, who had been under federal investigation for embezzling at least $50,000 in federal grants, opened fire during the meeting, killing four people, including Calonicco, and wounding two others.
The victims of this horrific event included Rhoades' brother, Rurik Davis, her niece, Angel Penn, and her nephew, Glenn Calonicco. Additionally, Shelia Lynn Russo, a tribal administrator, was also killed. The attack began with Rhoades using two semi-automatic pistols, and when she ran out of bullets, she resorted to using a butcher knife to stab one of the victims. The violence was only halted when a blood-covered woman managed to escape and alert authorities at the nearby City Hall.
Rhoades was quickly subdued and arrested by the police. She was booked on multiple charges, including homicide, attempted murder, child endangerment, and brandishing a weapon. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the involvement of Russo's husband, who worked at the local jail, Rhoades was transferred to an undisclosed location. The investigation revealed that the motive behind the attack was likely linked to the eviction proceedings and the pressure Rhoades felt from her brother, who had taken over as tribal chairman.
The community of Alturas, a small town known for its wilderness and natural beauty, was deeply shaken by the incident. The Cedarville Rancheria, a federally recognized tribe with only 35 members, was left to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy. The legal proceedings against Rhoades were closely followed, as the community sought justice for the victims and healing from the traumatic event.
