(PIKETON, Ohio)— 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:
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.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840