Six family members, including baby, killed in California gang-related 'massacre'

Six family members were killed at a central California home on Monday in what police believe to be a targeted and gang-related attack, authorities said. 

The victims of the “horrific massacre” included a 17-year-old mother and a 6-month-old baby, who were shot in the head, according to Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. 

"We believe that this was a targeted family," the sheriff said, indicating that they believe that gangs and illegal drug trade operations were associated with the killings. 

"This was very personal," Boudreaux added. "We also believe that it was a message being sent."

Authorities arrived at the house after a neighbor called reporting multiple shots. Some of the victims were found inside the house, while others were found lying in the street outside of the house. One of the victims was still alive when the police arrived but succumbed to his wounds. 

“We do have survivors," the sheriff said. Two women survived the massacre by hiding in a trailer on the property. 

Boudreaux police believe at least two suspects involved in the killings remain at large. However, no arrests have been made. 

A week before, the sheriff’s office conducted a narcotics search warrant at the house where the victims were found. 

"I think it's specifically connected to the cartel. The level of violence ... this was not your run-of-the-mill low-end gang member," Boudreaux told the newspaper.

"If (they) are specifically shooting everyone in the head, they know what they are doing ... (and) they are comfortable with what they are doing."