Multiple Agency Effort Underway as Pike County Murder Investigation Continues

The released names and relationships of the Rhoden family. Submitted.

PIKETON, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader have released updates in the ongoing investigation into the execution-style killings of eight members of the Rhoden family in Pike County.

The crime has caught a great amount of attention, making headlines across the country. Law enforcement continues the cooperative effort to work on the investigation.

As of today, sixty-one additional items of evidence have been sent to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) crime laboratory for DNA, ballistics, latent print, and trace analysis. These items are in addition to the 18 high-priority items submitted for testing previously, for a total of 79 pieces of evidence.

Additional search warrants were served yesterday in connection with the investigation, however the number of search warrants and locations are not being released at this time.

Since Friday, more than 300 tips have been received by both BCI and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, all of which are being investigated. Authorities continue to request that those with information call 855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or 740-947-2111.

To date, more than 215 law enforcement officials have contributed to the investigation. From the Attorney General’s Office this includes: special agents, analysts, prosecutors, and laboratory personnel. This also includes authorities from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, Pike County and Hamilton County coroner’s offices, and additional manpower from 23 sheriff’s offices and other law enforcement agencies, including significant assistance from the Piketon Police Department. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are also providing limited assistance on an as-needed basis.

According to a statement from DeWine’s office 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. Family and friends of the victims continue to attempt to cope as the investigation continues into the homicides.