8 family members shot dead 'execution style' in bloodbath at rural Ohio home; killer still on the loose
At least eight family members are dead and two blood-covered infants were rushed to the hospital after "execution style killings" at a home in rural Ohio, officials and locals say.
Local police and state law enforcement are investigating four different gruesome scenes inside or near the home in Piketon, Ohio, authorities said.
The victims include a grandmother, grandfather, their two adult children, the girlfriend of one of their children and the brother and nephew of the grandfather, according to what police told Pastor Phil Fulton of the nearby Union Hill church.
Two of the slain victims were juveniles, according to the Ohio Attorney General's Office.
"It's a tragic thing that has happened in our community. We're a rural community our here in the country that's never had something like this before," Fulton, who knew the family when they attended his church, told the Daily News.
"The mother was a very hard working lady, worked all the time. She loved her kids," Fulton said.
Two infant babies, who Fulton identified as the grandchildren of two of the victims, were inside the home at the time and were covered in blood when police arrived to the scene, he said. The babies were rushed to a hospital and are expected to survive, according to Fulton.
Police are still trying to determine whether the shooter is one of the deceased or is still at large. As of Friday afternoon, no arrests had been made.
The teenage son of two of the victims was unaccounted for, according to Fulton.
The Ohio Attorney General's Office, which rushed more than a dozen agents to help local police with the investigation, released a statement about the horrific crime. The FBI is also involved.
"Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader confirm that at least seven individuals are dead in what appears to be execution-style killings. All of the victims are believed to possibly be members of the same family, and they were found in three Union Hill Road homes in Piketon. Early indications are that the victims, who are believed to be five adults and two juveniles, were shot to death."
GOP presidential hopeful and Ohio Gov. John Kasich said that the state is working with local law enforcement.
"Reports we are hearing from Peebles are tragic beyond comprehension," Kasich tweeted.
Local schools in the community about 75 miles east of Cincinnati were put on partial lockdown following reports of the active shooter.
Pastor Fulton held a vigil at his church while police investigated the horrifying crime.
"We're really just shocked with everything. We're here at the church, we've opened up the church and we're just offering comfort and prayers."
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nati...icle-1.2611061
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