‘Innocent’ Mom Caught Up In Ohio Drug Massacre?

A brutal massacre in a small Ohio town has put a spotlight on the local drug trade — but outraged locals insist that one of the victims wasn't involved with the marijuana farms that could have gotten eight people killed! The citizens of Piketon, Ohio, were horrified on Friday, April 22, when reports first came in of the multiple victims ranging in age from 16 to 44.

The victims — found in four different homes — had all been shot in the head during the night while sleeping at four different homes. Three children were left alive, including the newborn child of Hannah Gilley (pictured). Her 6-month-old infant was found at one of the bloody crime scenes.

Fears of a maniacal killer were soon calmed once authorities began to investigate — and soon confirmed that the murdered family members were all seemingly involved in a criminal empire of marijuana crops! The police soon admitted that they believed the Rhoden family had been targeted for their illegal products.

“This was a preplanned execution of eight individuals,” state Attorney General Mike DeWine said. Authorities also conceded that the Rhoden family was already known to the local police. “I cautioned them they are a target," said Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader (pictured), "and I cautioned them, ‘Be armed.’ ”

The other victims were Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16; Hanna Rhoden, 19; Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 20; Dana Rhoden, 37; Gary Rhoden, 38; Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; and 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden. The only victim who wasn't part of the Rhoden family was 20-year-old Hannah — the fiancée of Clarence, and mother of his child.

Speculation has grown in Piketon that the Rhodens were likely murdered over the marijuana-growing operations discovered in three of the four homes where the bodies were found. But there's also a movement in Piketon to defend the reputation of Hannah — with family friend Patty Hammond hosting a benefit to raise money to cover the cost of the young mom's funeral and headstone.

“I’m furious about all the rumors involving drugs or whatever else people are saying," said Patty. "We should be focused on helping the survivors and remembering the good people we lost.” She's helped to organize a fundraiser on Saturday at Piketon business Beril's Bar & Grill, to be followed by a charity car wash.

Strangely, though, the people of Piketon don't seem too judgmental about the deceased Rhoden family. Hundreds of residents have already attended a memorial for the Rhodens at the Pike County Fairgrounds, with money raised to help the surviving relatives cover the multiple funeral expenses. A local cook, Maggie Owens, admitted that many of the townsfolk are "just scared," but also remembered Dana Rhoden as having "a heart of gold."