The Ohio Attorney General's Office confirmed Monday that Mike DeWine and staff are aware of Facebook threats against members of the Rhoden family, as the investigation continues into the mass shootings of eight people in Pike County.
"An analysis of social media accounts is essential to any murder investigation," spokesperson for the attorney general Dan Tierney said.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader released the following update Monday in the ongoing investigation into mass shootings of Rhoden family members in Pike County.
- A chart describing the familial relationships of the decedents can be accessed here.
- All eight autopsies have been completed.
- Search warrants have not yet been filed with the court.
- Roadblocks leading to the crime scenes will remain in place until the scenes are released by law enforcement.
- Sheriff Reader would like to express his thanks to every county sheriff in Ohio for offering assistance, manpower, and equipment.
- A memorial fund has been established to benefit the family at Fifth Third Bank. Donations to The Rhoden Memorial Fund can be made at any Fifth Third Bank.
Attorney General Michael DeWine told newsnet5.com that a marijuana grow operation was found at three of the four crime scene locations in the Pike County mass killing investigations.
While he says it is unclear whether the drugs were connected to the shooting, he said the grow operations will be a big part of the investigation.
"This was commercial, to be sold and this was an organization going on," DeWine said Monday.
Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader warned the Rhoden family to be armed.
"This was something that was planned," said Reader at a press conference Sunday with DeWine. "The family was targeted."
DeWine said that the attorney general's office did not know if there was one or more suspects but that the investigation into who killed the Rhoden family, and why, would be lengthy.
The killings were a "sophisticated operation," according to DeWine. "Those that carried it out were trying to do everything they could do to hinder their investigation and prosecution," he said.
More than 100 personnel in the southern county of Pike are assisting in the investigation.
Seven adults and a teenage boy were found fatally shot Friday at four different properties near Piketon, about 60 miles south of Columbus. Autopsies are being performed this weekend. Authorities said investigations at the crime scenes are complete but will remain closed.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 740-947-2111.
