Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader. (WKYC-TV screenshot.)

(CNSNews.com) – Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said on Sunday at a press conference, focused on the execution-style murder of eight family members in rural Ohio last week, that people should arm themselves if they are “fearful,” as the perpetrator or perpetrators remain at large.

“I can tell you if you are fearful, arm yourself,” Reader said. “If you feel that you need to protect yourself or family do so, and contact the local law enforcement to come and respond to it.”

According to WSAZ, News Channel 3 in Ohio, eight people, including a teenager, were all killed execution-style in four separate locations on Friday in the Peebles area of Pike County, Ohio near the Adams County line Friday.

The victims ranged in age from 16 to 44. Three children, including a newborn, survived the attacks.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said at the press conference that three marijuana-growing operations were found at the scenes, and though the scenes have been worked, they are still being secured, WSAZ reported.