UPDATE: An eighth body has been located in Pike County at a fourth location.
Original news release below:
(PIKETON, Ohio) -- 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 Pike County.
Early indications are that the victims, who are believed to be five adults and two juveniles, were shot to death.
This is not an active shooter situation, however no arrests have been made. The investigation is in its very early stages, and authorities are still investigating to determine a motive, identify the deceased, and determine if the gunman is among the deceased individuals or on the loose.
Agents with the Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) have been asked to lead the investigation at the request of Sheriff Reader. More than a dozen agents from BCI's Special Investigations Unit, Crime Scene Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit, and Cyber Crimes Unit have responded to the scene.
Multiple other agencies are assisting BCI and Pike County at the crime scenes.
Attorney General DeWine and Sheriff Reader will brief the media in Pike County later this afternoon. Details of the media briefing will be forthcoming.
There is no additional information at this time, however any questions from the media can be directed to the Attorney General's Office at the number above.
Media Contacts:
Lisa Hackley: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840