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 grow operations had been uncovered in three locations.

DeWine and Reader both cautioned that the investigation was likely to be lengthy.

“A lot of what is going on here is just basic, old-fashioned police work,” DeWine said.

Pastor Phil Fulton, of the Union Hill Church, described the Rhodens as a close-knit and hardworking family. He said they were previously part of his congregation, though not recently. He said a crisis resource team was at the church to work with the family.

"They're not doing well with this situation at all," Fulton said. "A tragic situation like this ..."

The Rhoden family released a statement through the Ohio Crisis Response Team Saturday, according to Fox 19.

"The Rhoden family would like to thank everyone for all the outpouring of prayers and support for their family. They ask to continue to keep them in your prayers,” the statement read. “They would like to thank all law enforcement from Pike County and surrounding counties for their immediate response. Especially, to Pike County Sheriff Charlie Reader for all his hard work. They would like to thank the Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, his staff, BCI agents, all EMS services and first responses.”

The family also urged anyone with information to call 1-855-BCI-OHIO.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/04/24/sheriff-well-planned-and-methodical-execution-ohio-family.html?intcmp=hpbt1

I am sure this pisses Obama and the Looney Left off to no end! The Attorney General and County Sheriff getting on the news and telling citizens to arm themselves.

This is something I'd expect to read about,
the Cleveland suburb of Lorraine.

Devastating in any community.
Moreso, in a rural setting.

This is a tragedy on so many points.

I honestly don't care what Obama or anyone else has to say..
And I know they will and they will use it to preach gun control again and that will never work..Because the evil will still have them the good won't.

The growing operations well I guess some will say these people deserved it and I will say no child ever deserves to loose their parents. None...

my home state

a tragedy for the family that's unimaginable,, hopefully no one else will lose their life in this'


a blessing there was enough of a moral to leave the children be

Well they left the baby alone but they did kill a 16 year old(child).
This family had an extensive pot growing operation on 4 of the properties they lived on.
This is no excuse to execute anyone but if you deal with unscrupulous people, you never know what to expect.

Lpdon,

Are you thinking what I am thinking... ? There is a lot going on here.

First off tragic that people are dead.

But this WORD PLAY / DOWN PLAY is really annoying me. It is not just this article. * I checked many on this case * I am seeing more & more.. Everywhere! And more & more often it is a matter of read between the lines. And asking ourselves, ' What is said & not said? And why?'

So the translation is....

This crime family named
Rhoden ; is more or less a drug syndicate.
And rivels are probably trying to take them all out.
Or are they ? Who are they working for?

I found nothing on what else, was at the scene .. Weapons on the property?.. Other drugs? Pornography? Literature?

Nothing on the crimes of these guys (brothers/cousins?)
Being portrayed as innocent victims. Why?

Even the articles can't agree on the number of investigators; 30 to 100?
Achhh...!..


And yes, more & more Sheriffs are telling people to arm themselves.

despite the unpopularity, I believe the loss of any life at the hands of another to be a shame, for everyone involved


but a serious tragedy if it is someone who has no way to be held accountable for anything,, like a baby or toddler

so, would this have happened if weed was legal? i'm hearing it was the Mexican cartels that did it...

legal weed could definitely remove the appeal and profit made from illicit dealing

thats my thinking anyway...

seemed to work with alcohol,,,

shrug

despite the unpopularity? I think your view is the norm by most people. Anyone who condones killing, specially children would be in the ISIS category.

nah,, some people have the 'they deserved to die' mentality,, and certainly cant understand feeling anything but hate for the guilty party,,,



feeling bad 'for all involved' is not so popular

* (sad waste of life)

On a happy note
** Maybe just aggressive "marketing" by Canadian licensees ?

oh, the Canadians did it... i've heard about the cartels up there, drinking to much molsen light and going nuts....

So why not do that for meth, heroine etc?

I think the effects of those are different than alcohol or weed,, but that would be something to be determined by medical community


its weighing the harm in one situation vs the harm in another


alcohol , can be done in moderation, as can weed

I'm not sure the same is true for meth or heroine

* Yes! They have even been known to raise their voices, from time-to-time (but politely). The shame

* Most modern countries Free, National Heath Cares cover this for social rehabilitation.