BREAKING NEWS--19 Found Dead At EW Park

BREAKING NEWS--GNN NEWS

STETSON, EAST WOODWARD--GNN NEWS is following breaking news out of Stetson, East Woodward, where police say 19 people were found dead in a state park facility.

Little is known about the scene, but East Woodwardian media is reporting that foul play was likely not involved, and that instead, the men simultaneously committed suicide together in a large gathering and mass killing. Some media, including GNN affiliate EWTV, are reporting that the men were all members of a cult-like group, and had organized and planned the joint suicide event months earlier.

East Woodwardian officials have not yet confirmed nor denied the reports of suicide or of a cult-like group. Authorities are remaining extremely tight-lipped and are releasing little information as they try to confirm exactly what happened. Earlier this afternoon, Police Commissioner Art Renfalli asked the media to use restraint in their coverage and to "let the police do their job." He also scolded reporters for engaging in "sheer speculation and hearsay" and asked members of the media and news outlets to "wait for official reports from police and confirming things before reporting what could potentially be false and inaccurate information."

What we do know as of now is limited. Police have confirmed that 19 victims, all males, ranging in age from 17 to 27 were found dead inside Chanberry State Park, which is located about five miles southwest of the East Woodwardian city of Stetson.

The bodies were found at about 5:00 AM this morning by joggers who were running nearby. According to police, the area where the men were found is a popular place for morning joggers and bikers. Several passersby called emergency officials to report the scene, although police say several other citizens walked past the scene but did not call for help because they thought the men were sleeping.

Officials have also confirmed that 15 of the men were East Woodward residents. One victim is reportedly a resident of Dalford, one of Pondella, and two from West Woodward. None of the victims were of Grassadellan citizenry.

Chanberry State Park has been shut down while dozens of police officers and medical investigators have swarmed the area. Local and state investigators are on scene, and EWTV tells GNN NEWS that federal investigators flew in to Stetson earlier this afternoon.

The park is closed as of now, and police say they will likely examine the crime scene all day tomorrow. Meanwhile, a press conference has been scheduled by police for Tuesday at 4:00 PM.

Reaction to the news was somber. East Woodwardian President Jacques Raelle said in a statement that "this is a national tragedy and we vow to investigate to the fullest extent what happened to these young men and how to prevent something like this from happening in the future." Grassadellan President Dan Byelle also called his East Woodwardian counterpart to offer his condolences.

"I just want to let President Raelle know that the people of Grassadella are mourning with you. Our hearts go out to the people of Stetson, the people of East Woodward, and of course, to the families and friends of the victims."

Police have not released a motive for the killings but they believe terrorism was no involved.

---GNN NEWS will carry LIVE coverage of tomorrow's press conference on our website, www.gnnnews.com. You can also watch the press conference LIVE on GNN-TV International.