Kevin Grasha

kgrasha@enquirer.com

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said Monday that investigators are putting together leads in the case “once piece at a time,” but he declined to discuss a possible motive.



DeWine told The Enquirer on Monday in an interview that investigators are not approaching the case “with a grand theory” about what might have happened. Instead, he said, “we are looking at each piece of information and see where it takes us, without any preconceived notions.”



“That’s the way you end up solving these crimes,” he said.



It’s still not clear, he said, whether three marijuana growing operations found at the crime scenes are connected to the killings.

"This isn’t a plant in the window or six or seven plants out in the backyard in a garden or something. They were doing this to sell,” DeWine said in an interview on 700WLW on Monday.

DeWine also said possible evidence of cockfighting was seen on one of the properties. He said the single roosters kept in individual cages “is consistent with” cockfighting.

But, he added, “We don’t know what’s relevant.”

The only survivors of the vicious attack were three young children, a 3-year-old, a 6-month-old, and a baby who was 5 days old on the day of the attack. Eight people from one family were killed in the Friday morning attack: Hannah Gilley, Christopher Rhoden, Sr., Christopher Rhoden Jr., Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, Dana Rhoden, Gary Rhoden, Hanna Rhoden, and Kenneth Rhoden, ranging ages from 16 to 44 years old.

“With most of the victims being found in bed, most of the victims being killed in their own beds without really getting up and moving, it tells you this was a surprise,” DeWine said on WLW.

Investigators sent 18 pieces of evidence back to Bureau of Criminal Investigation labs, according to officials. Five search warrants were served as part of the investigation. Union Hill Road remains blocked by law enforcement vehicles Monday, but a small memorial was set up at the corner of Ohio 32 and Union Hill Road with photos, flowers, and the words “Justice for the Rhodens.”

DeWine also made a pledge to the residents of Pike County: “This is a major commitment from our office. We’re in this for the duration. We’re not going to leave Pike County until this case is over with.”

More on this story:

'Ain't got no revenge in our hearts,' Pike Co. family says

Mexican cartels have used Pike County for pot grows

DeWine: 3 marijuana grow operations at shooting scenes

Graves: 'Only evil would do that'

Pastor looks to Bible, but 'there are no words'

Authorities expect probe of slayings may take long time

Ohio AG releases names of Pike County victims

'We still don't want to believe it'