The long goodbyes continued for eight members of a rural OH family killed more than a week ago with a funeral for a young mother as authorities remained silent in what they’ve said will be a lengthy investigation.
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But that changed 10 days later, when Chris Rhoden and seven other members of his family were massacred at their homes in Pike County. Authorities in 2012 said the seizure of about 1,200 plants in Pike County could be related to a Mexican drug cartel, while in 2010 more than 22,000 plants were confiscated. They said they found marijuana operations at three of the crime scenes, but didn’t say if the deaths were linked to pot.
Those victims are Rhoden’s cousins, 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr. and 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; Christopher’s ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; and their three children, 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr., 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden and 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden.
Many wore T-shirts with photos and messages on them, The Columbus Dispatch reported.
Law enforcement authorities have pretty much suggested the same thing, though Sheriff Charles Reader said: “If you are fearful, arm yourself”.
“Somebody that slaughters a whole family wouldn’t stay here”, said Ray Goldsberry.
DeWine says it’s a scam, and people should not give money.
Mike DeWine said the Piketon killer or killers used “calculation, design, and prior thought” to murder the Rhoden family, according to the Chillicothe Gazette. A claim that a round was found which did not match any of the wounds has not been confirmed by police officials, but has caused some to believe maybe one of the Rhoden family members managed to fire back in self-defense. But she also said her peaceful surroundings don’t feel like home now.
“It’s heartbreaking”, said Brittany Barker, who lives with her husband and five children next door to the Rhodens. “I would be. Considering”, she said. Meanwhile, the hunt for whomever is responsible continued to expand, with more than 200 law enforcement officials involved.
The vigil will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. local time and is meant to raise funds to pay for the family’s burials, organizer Stephanie Brownfield said in a telephone interview.
No arrests have been made so far in the case.
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Services for Gary Rhoden, 38, will be at noon Thursday in South Shore, Ky., a small town across the Ohio River from Portsmouth.
