Cherie Lash Rhoades, the former chairwoman of the Cedarville Rancheria of California, pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges.

Rhoades, 44, is accused of killing four people at the tribal headquarters on February 21. The victims included her brother, Chairman Rurik Davis, 50; her niece, Angel Penn, 19, and her nephew, Glenn Calonicco, 30.

Shelia Lynn Russo, 47, the tribe's administrator, was also killed. Two others, who have been identified as Davis's daughters, were shot and stabbed during the incident.

Rhoades faces the death penalty if she is convicted. The state hasn't made a decision whether to go that route.

“Death is not off the table, District Attorney Jordan Funk said in court, The Klamath Falls Herald & News reported.

Rhoades had been serving as chairwoman until she was suspended for allegedly stealing tribal funds about three weeks ago. Her brother replaced her as leader and she was being evicted from tribal housing on the reservation.

Rhoades's son, Jack Stockton, was serving as vice chairman and had also been suspended. He was being evicted along with Rhoades.

The tribe has continued to operate despite losing its leader and administrator. "Tribes are, by necessity, very resilient and we are confident that the Cedarville Rancheria will survive this tragedy," Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said in a press release.

"The Cedarville tribal government will continue to govern, will rebuild their community and they have already taken steps to start the process of healing," Washburn added.

Get the Story:
Cherie Lash arraigned in quadruple murder (KRCR 3/3)
Former tribal leader pleads not guilty in killings (AP 3/3)
Ex-NorCal Tribal Leader Pleads Not Guilty In Killings (CBS 3/3)
Suspect in four tribal killings pleads not guilty (The Klamath Falls Herald & News 3/4)

Related Stories:
Former Cedarville Rancheria leader in court on murder charges (2/26)
Cedarville Rancheria keeps health facility running during crisis (2/26)
Ex-chair of Cedarville Rancheria faces death penalty for killings (2/25)
Former chair of Cedarville Rancheria was target of federal probe (2/24)
NCAI President Cladoosby urges prayers for Cedarville Rancheria (2/21)
Former leader of Cedarville Rancheria accused of mass shooting (2/21)