Relatives of the family members gunned down in series of planned attacks on four rural Ohio homes were told by law enforcement officials that they are in danger and should arm themselves.
Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said Sunday the Rhoden family was targeted for the shootings, which killed eight people, and that family members should take precautions.
“I cautioned them that they were a target and I told them to be armed,” Sheriff Reader said.
He went on to say that the general public was not believed to be in any specific danger, but advocated for residents to also arm themselves if they were also concerned about their safety.
“If you are fearful, arm yourself,” Sheriff Reader said. “If you feel you need to protect yourself or family, do so.”
Officials have called the shootings a preplanned, “sophisticated operation” that was carried out while most of the victims slept.
Marijuana grow sites were found near three of the four homes where the shootings were carried out, but investigators have declined to say whether they believe the grow operations were at all related to the family or their deaths.
The victims were identified as 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.
Three small children in the homes at the time of the killings were unharmed. They include the newborn baby of Hanna Rhoden, the 6-month-old child of Hannah Gilley, and a 3-year-old child.
No arrests have been made and officials are still investigating.
• Andrea Noble can be reached at anoble@washingtontimes.com.
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