The execution-style murders of eight Ohio family members Friday were “methodical and well-planned,” officials said Sunday, revealing the investigation had uncovered three marijuana growing operations — while also warning residents who felt they were in danger to “to be armed.”

The deceased were found on four rural Ohio properties, shot to death. Most were apparently sleeping when they were killed. Three young children -- including a 4-day-old infant -- were also found unharmed at the crime scenes.

“This was a preplanned execution of eight individuals,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. “It was a sophisticated operation. And those who carried it out were trying to do everything they could do to hinder the investigation and their prosecution.

“This is not your case where someone got mad at somebody else, shot him, there’s a witness, two witnesses. It’s a very, very different kind of case.”

Authorities have not yet named a suspect and have yet to say how many people may have been involved. They said none of the victims died from a suicide.


All the victims were members of the Rhoden family: 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his 16-year-old son, Christopher Rhoden Jr.; 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.

DeWine said a force of at least 100 investigators had already received more than 100 tips and conducted more than 50 interviews. Five search warrants had been executed and the four crime scenes had been evaluated and secured. DNA technicians were currently examining 18 pieces of evidence at a state crime lab.

Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said he advised other members of the “targeted” Rhoden family that they could be in danger and advised them to be armed.


DeWine initially “would not comment” on whether drugs were involved, but eventually revealed that marijuana growing operations had been uncovered in three locations.

Read more at: Fox News

Weed grow-ops aren't normally something people get killed over. I wonder what really happened.

ETA: Was this intended to be posted in NRA Activism?

Yes it was......I thought it was notable that the Sheriff called for family members to arm themselves.

You certainly don't get a lot of those quotes lately from law enforcement.

Amen brother....Amen!

...Yep, we've got a lot of pro-gun (i.e. "common sense") sheriffs in this state... Richard k. Jones (of Butler Co. OH) is one of the more regular outspoken supporters of RTKBA....

Dewine (the AG) has also been pretty supportive in his tenure as AG...

Actually I believe he said "anyone concerned" should be armed, not just family and friends.

Maybe just trivia.

The latest is suspected Mexican Cartel.  Seems the family was encroaching on someone else's business.

That what I think also.

Anytime a brother or sister in law enforcement publicly states to "arm yourselves" its certainly notable.