“These were pre-planned, pre-meditated execution-type killings”, Attorney General DeWine told ABC News.
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“We would anticipate that this could be a lengthy investigation”, he added.
“What we are not going to be able to do is provide you results”, he said.
DeWine said this week that it appeared all of the eight were shot in the head.
DeWine’s office called the deaths “execution-style killings”, specifically meant to target the Rhodens.
The others victims were identified as 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his 16-year-old son, Christopher Rhoden Jr.; 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; 38-year-old Gary Rhoden; 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; 20-year-old Hannah Gilley; and 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden.
The victims were found in homes near Piketon, about 60 miles south of Columbus. The baby was four or five days old, authorities said. Hannah Gilley’s 6-month-old baby, and one other small child were also unharmed, cops said.
Investigators say none of the deaths appeared self-inflicted. Up until now, there have been no arrests made by the authorities.
He wouldn’t say how many guns were used in the shootings and if the Rhoden family was involved in any crimes.
In audio released by the state attorney general’s office, a woman could be heard telling a dispatcher that there was “blood all over the house”.
“I want to stress that this investigation is very large, probably the largest in Pike County that we’ve ever been a part of”, Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said.
Pastor Phil Fulton, of Union Hill Church, said one of the dead is 37-year-old Dana Manley Rhoden, Christopher Rhoden’s ex-wife.
His call to 911, measured and calm, brought a equally grim finding.
A Cincinnati-area businessman put up a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the killer or killers.
Several marijuana-growing operations were found at the crime scenes, they added, although it was unclear what, if any, role the operations had played in the killings. To the public he said, “I can tell you if you are fearful, arm yourselves”.
Anyone with information is urged to call 855-BCI-OHIO or the Pike County Sheriff at 740-947-2111.
Reader said he had advised surviving family members to protect themselves.
Authorities were still trying Sunday to find out who targeted the seven adults and teenage boy and the motive behind the shootings.
“There’s drug problem throughout the state of OH”, he said. They said evidence continues to be processed and analyzed from the four properties near Piketon where the family members were found dead Friday. He was good, Waddell said.
Ohio Gov. John Kasich in an interview with CBS hopes that “justice will be delivered to them” and called the slayings “a terrible set of murders”. Officials declined to say what they were looking for in the area.
Officials have been tight-lipped about numerous details surrounding the case, including why the family was targeted and who may have fired the bullets.
“They’re not doing well with this situation at all”, Fulton said.
Authorities have yet to release the four locations where the family members were slain, though evidence collection has been completed.
Rhoden was in bed with her 5-day old baby at her side, authorities said.
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An infant and two other small children who were in the homes at the time of the shootings were not hurt.
