More funerals ahead for victims in Ohio shooting massacre

Author: The Associated Press
Published:
(WDTN / MGN)

PIKETON, Ohio (AP) – The long goodbyes continued for eight members of a rural Ohio family killed more than a week ago with a funeral for a young mother as authorities remained silent in what they’ve said will be a lengthy investigation.

Rhoden family members were shot in the head at four different homes near Piketon on April 22. Authorities say the deaths were a pre-planned “sophisticated operation.” They haven’t released any specifics on possible suspects or a motive.

Services for Hannah Gilley, 20, in Otway, Ohio, on Saturday brought together hundreds of family members and friends. Her baby was one of three children who survived the massacre. Gilley was the fiancée of 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, another victim of the shootings.

Gilley’s was the second funeral to be held. Services for Gary Rhoden, 38, were held Thursday in Kentucky. Funerals for the six others will take place Tuesday.

They were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden; his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, including Frankie, 16-year-old Christopher Jr., and 19-year-old Hanna; and Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden.

Besides Gilley’s baby, Hanna Rhoden’s infant and another young child also were unharmed.

“It’s a very sad situation, eight victims,” Scioto County Sheriff Marty Donini told The Columbus Dispatch on Saturday. “It’s just unheard of and overwhelming. I can’t imagine how the families are dealing with it.”

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