Sheriff: At least two killers in Pike County slayings
WAVERLY — Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader disclosed Thursday that there was “more than one” killer involved in the Rhoden family massacre and two young children the killers left alive remain in “grave danger.”
It was the first significant detail in the April 22 case that has plagued investigators for four months and left many in the large extended family frustrated, with no known suspects nor arrests.
Reader’s comments came during a court hearing Thursday to determine if court records and proceedings related to custody of an infant and a toddler found alive lying next to their dead parents should be public. Pike County Juvenile Court Judge Robert Rosenberger is awaiting more information from lawyers before he makes a ruling.
Pike County coroner withholding final autopsy reports in killings
Ruger Rhoden, six months old at the time of the killings, and Kylie Rhoden, then just five days old, were found alive and physically unhurt in the trailers they shared with their parents the day eight people were found dead in Pike County.
Killed were Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; his ex-wife Dana Rhoden, 37; their children Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20, Hanna Rhoden, 19, and Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16; Frankie Rhoden's fiancee Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother Kenneth Rhoden, 44; and a cousin, Gary Rhoden, 38. Kylie is the daughter of Hanna Rhoden. Ruger is the son of Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden and Hannah Gilley.
Authorities have said the killings were well-planned, taking place in the dark of night inside three trailers and a camper while many of the victims slept. Reader again reiterated the case remains active.
Rhoden case: 'Hate seeing my daughter cry'
Reader did not offer any further information related to the killers on Thursday.
He repeated several times that he remains very concerned for the safety of the children and that of their caregivers. Currently, the two children remain in the care of foster parents, whose identities have never been disclosed.
“As the sheriff of this county, I fear if information is released it would put the minor children or their caregivers in grave danger,’’ he said. “I don’t want to receive another call about another homicide, a brutal homicide in my county or another county.”
The juvenile court proceedings are to determine who will get either partial or full custody of Ruger and Kylie, who were left orphaned in April. Three family members, identified only by their initials, are seeking custody of the children.
Ohio law presumes juvenile court hearings and the majority of juvenile court records are open to the public. The Pike County Children’s Services Board asked Rosenberger to close all court hearings and seal records related to the ongoing custody of Ruger and Kylie Rhoden. The Enquirer objected.
The media company’s lawyer, Jack Greiner, argued Thursday that Ohio law makes clear that a court can only restrict access to the records and proceedings if one of two issues are proved: If the disclosure would harm the children or if it would harm the fairness of the case.
Greiner argued that Elisabeth Howard, the lawyer for Pike County Children’s Services, did neither Thursday.
Rosenberger asked Greiner, Howard and the three lawyers representing family members who are attempting to gain custody of the children to give him their arguments by Aug 16.
Rosenberger indicated he previously issued a gag order in the case, but declined to make that public saying it was part of the case at issue.
Bob Strickley contributed.
Chris Graves is the Enquirer's local columnist. She has been writing about the Rhoden family massacre since April. You can email her at cgraves@enquirer.com or follow her on Twitter @chrisgraves.
Reward offered
Anyone with information related to the case is asked to call Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers at 740-773-TIPS. Anonymous tips are still being taken at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 740-947-2111.
A $10,000 Crime Stoppers reward would be paid for any information that leads to apprehension of suspects and a conviction in the case.