Update, 5:15 p.m.: Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader had very little to reveal about the investigation into the Pike County mass killings during a Sunday evening press conference, but did say authorities found three marijuana grow operations at the scenes of the crime.
Reader indicated teams of law enforcement were in the woods near the crime scenes looking for evidence. Reader and DeWine would not comment on if the crimes were drug-related, but reiterated the shootings were planned and specifically targeted the Rhoden family.
Evidence found during searches around the Rhoden residences would be sent to the state crime lab, where 18 other pieces of evidence from the scenes are being analyzed, DeWine said.
Authorities have conducted 50 to 60 interviews and executed five search warrants since the scene was discovered Friday morning, DeWine said.
Reader and DeWine refused to release many more details to the public in an attempt to keep the “bad guys” from knowing the information in the possession of investigators.
After questions of public safety, Reader told residents of Pike County to arm themselves if they feared for their family’s safety.
Amazing, isn’t it? I’ve been following this story and it’s the damndest thing when you think about it. Add to it all the local gossip...
Four houses, likely middle of the night, 8 murdered. At least one seems to have had a chance to put up a fight was found on the floor, but others in bed. Add to that one 4 day old infant, a 6 month old and 3 yrs old. Did they wake up? Were silencers used? This required extensive planning, perfect timing and careful exiting. The door to at least one house was locked when the girl came to do chores.
Did the dogs bark? If not, why? If so, are they far enough away from neighbors, including the other victims that no one heard them?