Ohio Slaying Of 8 Family Members Was 'Pre-Planned Execution'

Authorities are scrambling to determine who killed eight family members in a "pre-planned execution" that has shaken residents in their rural southern Ohio community.

Authorities are scrambling to determine who killed eight family members in a "pre-planned execution" that has shaken residents in their rural southern Ohio community, reports the Chicago Tribune.

Attorney General Mike DeWine said at a news conference Sunday that the killings at four homes near the small community of Piketon on Friday was "a sophisticated operation." Seven adults and one teenage boy were found shot in the head; three young children were not harmed.

"This was a pre-planned execution of eight individuals," DeWine said.

Authorities remained tight-lipped Sunday about details of the investigation, any suspects or motives for the crime. They said they found marijuana operations at three of the crime scenes, but didn't say if the deaths were linked to pot.

Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said it was clear the family was targeted, and he's told the victims' relatives to arm themselves.

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