Eight members of a family found dead in four homes in OH were killed in a “pre-planned execution”, say police.
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Speaking at a news conference Sunday afternoon, Attorney General Mike DeWine said the gunman, or gunmen, who fatally shot members of the Rhoden family, carried out the “pre-planned” executions and did “everything to hinder the investigation and their prosecution”.
Three children – a 4-day-old baby, a 6-month-old baby and a 3-year-old – were found unharmed at the crime scenes, said Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader.
The other victims were identified Saturday as 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; 38-year-old Gary Rhoden; 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; 20-year-old Hannah Gilley; and 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden.
The relationships of the Rhoden family members killed in execution-style shootings Friday have been released by the attorney general’s office.
At a news conference Sunday, investigators did reveal some new information, but were reluctant to tie it to a motive; several marijuana-growing operations were found at the crime scenes, according to the Associated Press.
He said investigators have received more than 100 tips, conducted 50-plus interviews, and served five search warrants. We will not be telegraphing or telling the bad guys everything that we know, so we will continue to have briefings. Dr. Lakshmi Sammarco said one victim had a single wound, one had two wounds, and the rest had three or more.
A cook at a restaurant in rural southern OH says many people in the community remain on edge after the slayings of eight family members.
Lisa Marie Miller/AP This aerial photo shows one of the locations being investigated in Pike County, Ohio, as part of an ongoing homicide investigation.
He learned about the deaths Friday morning from another one of his daughters who found them and called him, Manley said, noting that he’s taken the sheriff’s advice and has armed himself.
“I cautioned them, told them we will be there. old (them) to be armed”.
The eighth victim was found in nearby Piketon. A search for the killer or killers continued Sunday, and investigators said they had interviewed more than 30 people.
Manley said if he had to guess, the suspect or suspects knew the family because one of the scenes where the bodies were found had dogs that “would eat you up” if they were unfamiliar with the visitor.
“Like bags of marijuana?” a reporter said.
Reader said he didn’t believe safety was an issue for others, but he said “If you are fearful, arm yourself”.
“I cautioned them, told them we will be there”, Reader told CBS News.
The Pike County’s sheriff finalized that until the case has been brought to a fitting end, residents of the area, and with specification, the relatives, are to take full precaution as the assailants are presumed armed and extremely unsafe.
Authorities say the surviving Rhoden family members are receiving police protection. She described Dana Rhoden as a woman with “a heart of gold” who gave her clothes and money when her home burned down a year ago.
A local restaurateur, Jeff Ruby, offered a $25,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible.
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The authorities were first alerted by an emergency call shortly before 8:00 am Friday reporting blood in a home with two possibly dead men, Reader said.
