OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) #2

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- An act of violence that has shaken the small community of Piketon in Pike County, Ohio is leaving many in disbelief.

Eight people, including a teenager, were all killed execution-style in four separate locations Friday in the Peebles area of Pike County, Ohio near the Adams County line Friday.

http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Inv...376728131.html

Shootings with multiple fatalities reported in southern Ohio

Posted: 10:47 AM, April 22, 2016
Updated: 11:42 AM, April 22, 2016

CINCINNATI - A shooting involving multiple fatalities was reported in rural Ohio on Friday morning, but details on the number of deaths and the whereabouts of the suspect or suspects weren't immediately clear.

The attorney general's office said a dozen Bureau of Criminal Investigation agents had been called to Pike County, an economically struggling area in the Appalachian region some 80 miles east of Cincinnati. Spokesman Dan Tierney says the Pike County sheriff's office requested state help at 8:20 a.m.

Tierney had no information on whether a suspect was in custody. He also had no confirmation on the number of fatalities...

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/n...ported-in-ohio

PIKE COUNTY, OH (WCMH/WDTN) — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that there were seven adults and one 16-year-old juvenile who were killed execution-style Friday late morning. They were all members of the same family. Death notifications were still being made Friday night.

Three children survived; a 4-day-old, 6-month-old and 3-year-old. The newborn’s mother is among those victims shot. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said it does not appear any of the victims committed suicide.

http://wdtn.com/2016/04/22/ohio-bci-...d=twitter_wdtn

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The names and dates of birth for the eight victims killed in execution-style murders in Pike County, Ohio Friday have been released. The names are as follows:

• Hannah Gilley, DOB 02/28/1996
• Christopher Rhoden, Sr., DOB 09/17/1975
• Christopher Rhoden, Jr., DOB 11/04/1999
• Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, DOB 08/10/1995
• Dana Rhoden, DOB 08/29/1978
• Gary Rhoden, DOB 12/19/1977
• Hanna Rhoden, DOB 04/07/1997
• Kenneth Rhoden, DOB 03/30/1972

http://www.wsaz.com/content/news/Inv...376728131.html (this link also contains audio of the 911 calls)

A victim's advocate provided a short statement on behalf of the Rhoden family Saturday afternoon.

"The Rhoden family would like to thank everyone for all the outpouring for prayers and support for their family," she read. "They ask that you continue to keep them in your prayers. They'd like to thank all law enforcement from Pike County and all surrounding counties for their immediate response, especially to Sheriff Charlie Reader for all his hard work."

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/st...l-22/83380444/

They eight victims have been identified as: recent-father and husband-to-be Frankie Rhoden and his 20-year-old fiancee Hannah Hazel Gilley; 22-year-old mother Hanna May Rhoden; grandmother-to-be Dana Lynn Rhoden, 37; 16-year-old Chris Rhoden Jr; 40-year-old Chris Rhoden Sr; 38-year-old Gary Rhoden and 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden.

[...]

During a news conference on Friday evening, Attorney General Mike DeWine said authorities have interviewed more than 30 people and will talk to more of them as the investigation continues.

'We will continue until the case is solved. We do not know whether we're talking about one individual or two or three or more,' DeWine added.
No person of interest has been apprehended and investigators are looking at different theories.

They believe the killers targeted the family specifically, and DeWine said there was no indication of a threat towards the rest of the community.

The rest of the family has been in touch with the sheriff's office for their protection.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz46h5rLZf2 (this link further describes who's who and the familial relationships of the victims to one another)

Investigators found three marijuana “grow operations” at residences where eight family members were slain in southern Ohio, state Attorney General Mike DeWine said Sunday at a news conference.


He didn’t say whether the marijuana was connected to the execution-style killings discovered last Friday at four residences in Piketon.

http://fox13now.com/2016/04/23/auth...family-members-shot-dead-in-pike-county-ohio/

PRESSER: APRIL 24, 2016
[video=youtube;DuIxUnk8gmo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuIxUnk8gmo[/video]

MOD NOTE: Tricia has given permission for sleuths to discuss the criminal records of the family members who were murdered. In light of the grow operations they may be very relevant. Please refrain from posting criminal histories of other individuals who have not been named persons of interest or suspects by LE or simply because they have the last name of the victims or may be a distant cousin or aunt. Stick with the victims for now. That may change as more develops on this case.

Thread #1

Subscribing.

"Authorities say they found marijuana-growing operations at three of the four locations where eight family members in rural southern Ohio were found fatally shot.

They said at a news conference Sunday that it's unclear what, if any, role the growing operations had in Friday's killings."

Read more: http://www.wfsb.com/story/31803467/...d-at-3-scenes-in-ohio-shootings#ixzz46ml3Y9US

"marijuana was found at three of the scenes in what Attorney General Mike DeWine called “grow operations” Sunday."
http://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/watch-live-investigators-give-updates-on-pike-co-homicides

I'm still stunned with 18 pieces of evidences and four scenes with several different agencies there.

Did the killers clean up it good enough to not leave any evidence? What about other evidence that is personal belongings that would normally be taken?

cujenn81 said:

Here are my notes from the presser for anyone who cares---


SHERIFF:
They are maintaining the crime scenes and keeping them secure and guarded, just in case they need to go back to look for something they may have missed.
This is a large investigation and they ask the public to be patient.
They are working 24 hours around the clock but predict it will be a lengthy investigation.
An OPRC Star Team (of 38 men) is currently going back over the crime scenes to make sure nothing was missed and are also searching nearby wooded areas to look for additional potential evidence. Hundreds of men and women from other departments in the state have come to assist them with this investigation.


AG:


Over 100 tips received.
50-60 interviews conducted and others will continue to be conducted.
Over 100 personnel working this case.
5 search warrants conducted.
4 crime scenes.
18 pieces of evidence sent to the BCI Lab for testing of DNA and other purposes.
This was a pre-planned execution. It was a sophisticated operation and whoever is responsible did everything they could to hinder the investigation and prosecution. This is not a case of a "mad person" who's done this.
He will continue to provide info about what they are doing but he will not provide the results. Their goal is to do whatever they have to do to find these people or person responsible.
Most of this investigation is being conducted using good old-fashioned police work.
Jeff Ruby has offered a $25K reward for anyone who brings information forward that results in a conviction of those responsible.
He will not give out info that will slow down the investigation or hinder the prosecution.


SHERIFF:


Only 1 family has been targeted and they have been told to be armed.
Anything that seems out of the ordinary should be reported. He suggests anyone in the community that has concerns about their safety to remain armed.
He reiterates that these killings were methodical, well-planned out, well-thought out, and most of them were killed in their sleep.


AG:


No comment about if they have any suspects/POIs.
No comment about possible motive.
No comment to a question a reporter asked about the family being stalked.
No comment about if they have recovered useful CCTV footage.


SHERIFF:


He will not reveal the location of the 5th warrant at this time. They added that the warrants would eventually be filed with the county and that info is available to the public.
Confirmed a drug problem exists in the county and throughout all of Ohio.
No comment about whether drugs were found inside any of the homes.
No comment about if any weapons were found or what weapons (calibers) were used.
No comment about where the surviving family members are staying.
7 autopsies have been completed & 8th will be completed tomorrow.
LE was familiar with the family because it's a small community.
No comment on the family's criminal history. Sheriff said he (personally) had never had any criminal contact with this family since he's worked for the county (the last 20 years).

Click to expand...

carried over from last thread.

Some recent Piketon-area cannabis news:
-Pike Sheriff makes shattering discovery: Post office call leads to discovery of THC lab.
-Load of marijuana allegedly headed to Ross County
-OSHP seizes 123 lbs of pot in Columbus-area traffic stop
-Ohio troopers find 70 pounds of pot and 1,000 jars of hash oil.

Victims and crime scenes:
#1. Trailer between large silver metal building and garage. Address is 4077 Union Hill. Piketon, Ohio. If you google- you'll need to use 4050 Union Hill to get location as Google maps shows it incorrect. Two males. Christopher Rhoden Sr. 40. Gary Rhoden, 38. Cousin. Original 911 call generated from this location.

#2. Trailer to the right of metal garage at same location- "walking distance". Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20. Fiancee Hannah Gilley, 20. His 3 year old son from a prior relationship, unharmed. Their 6 month old son, unharmed.

#3. 4199 Union Hill Road, Piketon Ohio. Dana Rhoden, 37. Hanna Rhoden, 19. Chris Rhoden Jr. 16. 4 day old baby unharmed. Her 3 year old daughter was not there.

#4. 799 Left Fork Road Lucasville, Ohio. Kenneth Rhoden, 44. Brother to Chris Sr.

The 16 year old was NOT alone at 799 Left Fork. No one ran from any of the crime scenes. No one was out in any of the roads.

KKearns said:

I'm still stunned with 18 pieces of evidences and four scenes with several different agencies there.

Did the killers clean up it good enough to not leave any evidence? What about other evidence that is personal belongings that would normally be taken?

Click to expand...

I understood him to say they had removed 18 pieces of evidence that were taken for DNA and ballistics testing. Not necessarily that was ALL they- took- just that these 18 pieces were taken for specific testing.

many thanks to winterrose for the video link to presser. It is in the OP so we can refer back to it as needed.

lonesomepaws said:

I understood him to say they had removed 18 pieces of evidence that were taken for DNA and ballistics testing. Not necessarily that was ALL they- took- just that these 18 pieces were taken for specific testing.

Click to expand...

I hope that is what they meant, because 18 pieces is nothing.

Bringing over from the previous thread, 60 Minutes is doing a show tonight about Ohio's Heroin Epidemic

http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/preview-the-heroin-epidemic/

Link has a preview of the show featuring interview with AG Mike DeWine.

The drug problem has been raging in Ohio for several years, with little success in fighting the crime and deaths it brings.

I really like the Sheriff and Attorney General, I think they're handling this very well.

lonesomepaws said:

Victims and crime scenes:
#1. Trailer between large silver metal building and garage. Address is 4077 Union Hill. Piketon, Ohio. If you google- you'll need to use 4050 Union Hill to get location as Google maps shows it incorrect. Two males. Christopher Rhoden Sr. 40. Gary Rhoden, 38. Cousin. Original 911 call generated from this location.

#2. Trailer to the right of metal garage at same location- "walking distance". Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20. Fiancee Hannah Gilley, 20. His 3 year old son from a prior relationship, unharmed. Their 6 month old son, unharmed.

#3. 4199 Union Hill Road, Piketon Ohio. Dana Rhoden, 37. Hanna Rhoden, 19. Chris Rhoden Jr. 16. 4 day old baby unharmed. Her 3 year old daughter was not there.

#4. 799 Left Fork Road Lucasville, Ohio. Kenneth Rhoden, 44. Brother to Chris Sr.

The 16 year old was NOT alone at 799 Left Fork. No one ran from any of the crime scenes. No one was out in any of the roads.

Click to expand...

This is very helpful. Good to see you posting, hope you will continue. Looking forward to your thoughts.

Ray_of_hope said:

"Authorities say they found marijuana-growing operations at three of the four locations where eight family members in rural southern Ohio were found fatally shot.

They said at a news conference Sunday that it's unclear what, if any, role the growing operations had in Friday's killings."

Read more: http://www.wfsb.com/story/31803467/...d-at-3-scenes-in-ohio-shootings#ixzz46ml3Y9US

"marijuana was found at three of the scenes in what Attorney General Mike DeWine called “grow operations” Sunday."
http://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/watch-live-investigators-give-updates-on-pike-co-homicides

Click to expand...

This could explain why they are just now searched the wooded areas nearby; perhaps more plants. Whatever happened, this family pissed off the wrong folks. It's such a horrible shame that they put themselves in such a position. It may sound harsh and presumptuous, but given the facts we know this was not a random crime of opportunity.

Here's an article with pics, in one of them there appears to be a heavy set male wearing a green shirt in handcuffs being escorted into some sort of truck...

http://m.wlwt.com/news/community-ra...mbers-as-search-for-killer-continues/39189042

What do you all think? It's photo number 23/24. This same person is in the earlier slides simply talking, but that does look to me as if he's being escorted...


Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Marking my spot and hoping for justice.

K.L.Puyallup said:

Some recent Piketon-area cannabis news:
-Pike Sheriff makes shattering discovery: Post office call leads to discovery of THC lab.
-Load of marijuana allegedly headed to Ross County
-OSHP seizes 123 lbs of pot in Columbus-area traffic stop
-Ohio troopers find 70 pounds of pot and 1,000 jars of hash oil.

Click to expand...

The first link about the February 2016 discovery of a THC shatter lab is interesting. I found a bit more information on it here:

http://wp2.pikecosheriff.com/?p=1483

No one involved has been identified, so I'm under the impression that it is still an ongoing investigation in Pike County.

“Right now, I do not want to disclose the address of any particular persons until we’ve identified everyone who is involved and have the chance to interview them and go forward. I expect this to lead to other search warrants both locally and in other jurisdictions.

Ultimately, we will do what we can to work with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the integrity of the investigation remains intact so that when we get to the charging and grand jury stage and when the trial comes, we will be prepared. When the investigation is complete, the names of those involved in this case locally, out of county, and out of state will be released.”

Click to expand...

No way of knowing if it would have any bearing on these murders, but it does indicate a disruption in the "status quo" of weed operations in Pike County.

Here are some screen shots I captured from Google Earth.


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Everyday Grace said:

The first link about the February 2016 discovery of a THC shatter lab is interesting. I found a bit more information on it here:

http://wp2.pikecosheriff.com/?p=1483

No one involved has been identified, so I'm under the impression that it is still an ongoing investigation in Pike County.



No way of knowing if it would have any bearing on these murders, but it does indicate a disruption in the "status quo" of weed operations in Pike County.

Click to expand...

If there was a hash oil operation, specifically, they would have been bringing in BANK.

KKearns said:

I hope that is what they meant, because 18 pieces is nothing.

Click to expand...

It is a great start though. In two other mass murder cases (Gee & Heinz) the police sent two pieces of evidence they had at the time when the crimes had just happened. They requested those items to be done in an expeditious manner with a fast turnaround which they were. Within a week they had the DNA profiles they needed to make arrests in both cases.

I imagine that fast turnaround is what will happen here. This seems to be done when many multiple victims have been found murdered and the murderer/s are still on the loose. Seasoned investigators know which will probably be the best evidence to be tested. As the case is still ongoing I am sure they will have multiple pieces of evidence that will be tested in the future.

It sounds like LE wants the killer or killers to know they left evidence behind which is very common. Most of the time the suspect/s will leave something of themselves behind at the crime scene/s.

imo