Officials See Link in Ohio Murder Spree, 8 Dead

PIKETON, Ohio (CN) — Investigators linked eight bodies from four crime scenes on Friday to a spate of execution-style killings in Ohio.

Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader emphasized in a statement that "this is not an active-shooter situation."

Though no arrests have been made, authorities are still trying to "determine if the gunman is among the deceased individuals or on the loose," the statement continues.

With the investigation in "very early stages," according to the statement, authorities have not yet identified a motive and or the names of the deceased, "believed to possibly be members of the same family."

Before the eighth body's discovery today at a fourth location, the seven initial victims were found in three Pike County homes on Union Hill Road.

"Early indications are that the victims, who are believed to be five adults and two juveniles, were shot to death," according to the statement.

DeWine's office has not yet released details on the eighth victim, including the manner and location of this individual's death.

DeWine and Reader are expected to brief the media in Pike County in the late afternoon.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit