Redacted autopsy report released in Pike County multiple murder investigation
Lead Summary
By
The Highland County Press-
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader have released the following update in the ongoing investigation into the execution-style killings of eight members of the Rhoden family in Pike County:
“Investigators have released redacted versions of preliminary and final autopsy reports for the victims, which have been requested by numerous media outlets including Ohio newspapers, television stations and British tabloids. Information has been redacted as Confidential Law Enforcement Investigative Records pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 313.10(A)(2)(e) and ORC 149.43(A)(1)(h).
“The redacted documents, which were voluntarily released by investigators, were prepared to balance the current needs of the active investigation with transparency of the law enforcement process.”
As previously reported in The Highland County Press, local and state law enforcement officials suspect that there were multiple attackers in the April 22 killings of seven adults and one teenager in Pike County, just east of Peebles.
The victims included: Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden, Sr., 40; Christopher Rhoden, Jr., 16; Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; 20; Dana Rhoden, 37; Gary Rhoden, 38; Hanna Rhoden, 19; and Kenneth Rhoden, 44.
The redacted autopsy report indicates the cause of death of each individual is gunshot wounds to the head, with “multiple” wounds reported for most of the victims. Several victims also had gunshot wounds found in the neck or torso.
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To view the final (redacted) autopsy report, visit: http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Briefing-Room/News-Releases/BCI/Pike-County-Final-Autopsies-REDACTED.aspx
DeWine has said the top-priority case might be the biggest in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's history in terms of manpower and resources.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Three children – one 4-day-old newborn, one 6-month-old and one 3-year-old – survived the shootings.
The “execution-style” shootings occurred on Union Hill Road in Pike County, near the Adams County border.
“Each one of the victims appears to have been executed,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a press conference in April. “Each one of the victims appears to have been shot in the head.”
Ohio BCI and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office have received more than 300 tips in connection with the investigation.
"All of the tips – those called in and emailed to us via social media – have been sent to investigators," said Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or 740-947-2111.
“Investigators have released redacted versions of preliminary and final autopsy reports for the victims, which have been requested by numerous media outlets including Ohio newspapers, television stations and British tabloids. Information has been redacted as Confidential Law Enforcement Investigative Records pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 313.10(A)(2)(e) and ORC 149.43(A)(1)(h).
“The redacted documents, which were voluntarily released by investigators, were prepared to balance the current needs of the active investigation with transparency of the law enforcement process.”
As previously reported in The Highland County Press, local and state law enforcement officials suspect that there were multiple attackers in the April 22 killings of seven adults and one teenager in Pike County, just east of Peebles.
The victims included: Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden, Sr., 40; Christopher Rhoden, Jr., 16; Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; 20; Dana Rhoden, 37; Gary Rhoden, 38; Hanna Rhoden, 19; and Kenneth Rhoden, 44.
The redacted autopsy report indicates the cause of death of each individual is gunshot wounds to the head, with “multiple” wounds reported for most of the victims. Several victims also had gunshot wounds found in the neck or torso.
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To view the final (redacted) autopsy report, visit: http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Briefing-Room/News-Releases/BCI/Pike-County-Final-Autopsies-REDACTED.aspx
DeWine has said the top-priority case might be the biggest in the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's history in terms of manpower and resources.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Three children – one 4-day-old newborn, one 6-month-old and one 3-year-old – survived the shootings.
The “execution-style” shootings occurred on Union Hill Road in Pike County, near the Adams County border.
“Each one of the victims appears to have been executed,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said in a press conference in April. “Each one of the victims appears to have been shot in the head.”
Ohio BCI and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office have received more than 300 tips in connection with the investigation.
"All of the tips – those called in and emailed to us via social media – have been sent to investigators," said Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or 740-947-2111.