101-562: The Pike County Shootings , also known as the Pike County Massacre , occurred on the night of April 21–22, 2016, when eight people – all belonging to the Rhoden family – were shot and killed in four homes in Pike County , Ohio , near the village of Peebles , 50 miles (80 km) from Columbus and 60 miles (97 km) from Cincinnati . Their bodies were found later on April 22. Seven of
202-558: A $ 30 million funding bill for Ohio farmers to prevent algal blooms, which went into effect on February 1. On January 27, DeWine signed Senate Bill 7, which gives military members and their spouses better employment opportunities by simplifying the process to transfer their occupational licenses to Ohio. In February 2020, he announced new distracted driving legislation he was sponsoring. Also in February 2020, he attracted attention for declining to share his opinion about Ohio's death penalty, at
303-410: A 12-pronged plan to combat the opioid epidemic, drawing from his experience breaking up pill mills, prosecuting traffickers, supporting recovery, and advocating the importance of drug-use prevention education. In addition, he went after the pharmaceutical industry , suing opioid manufacturers and distributors for their alleged roles in fraudulent marketing and unsafe distribution of opioids that fueled
404-557: A 14-point margin. DeWine was reelected in 2000 , defeating gunshow promoter Ronald Dickson (161,185 votes, or 12.44%) and former U.S. Rep. Frank Cremeans (104,219 votes, or 8.05%) in the primary and Ted Celeste (brother of former Ohio governor Dick Celeste ) in the general election. DeWine sat on the Senate Judiciary and Select Intelligence committees. He was the initial sponsor of the Drug-Free Century Act in 1999 and
505-413: A 9-1-1 call reported an eighth body, an adult male, at a fourth residence in the nearby village of Piketon. Three young children—ages three years, six months, and four days—were unharmed during the shootings, with the four-day-old being found in bed with her mother's body. Seven adults and a 16-year-old were among those slain. The four-day-old and the six-month-old were placed under protective services, and
606-426: A Pike County home approximately 10 miles from the site of the murders. Police originally stated they were searching for suspects in the murders; however, it was later clarified they were looking for evidence in the case and not suspects. Police also searched an Adams County property once owned and recently sold by Edward "Jake" Wagner, an ex-boyfriend of victim Hanna Rhoden and father of her 3-year-old daughter, but not
707-454: A bill into law removing the requirement to possess a license to carry a concealed handgun in public. As U.S. senator, DeWine joined a bipartisan effort to lower the national maximum blood-alcohol limit from .1% to .08% and to require reporting of vehicle-related deaths on private property like parking lots and driveways. He sponsored legislation on determining when aging tires become unsafe. DeWine opposes same-sex marriage and sponsored
808-650: A bill that said "fetal remains from surgical abortions in Ohio must be cremated or buried"; failure to do so would be a misdemeanor of the first degree. Although Catholic, DeWine has not joined the Pope and Catholic bishops in opposing the death penalty. Nor has he joined former governor Robert Taft , former attorney general Petro, and former House speaker Householder in calling for an end to Ohio executions. Yet no executions have been conducted in Ohio since DeWine took office, and he has delayed executions due to "ongoing problems involving
909-803: A delay tactic. A lawyer representing both newspapers said there was no legal basis for law enforcement's withholding of information from the public. In a filing on September 6, 2016, DeWine responded to The Columbus Dispatch ' s lawsuit against the coroner's office, saying: Public release of information known only to law enforcement and the killer(s) directly threatens the success of the investigation. Among other consequences, releasing this type of information impedes investigators' ability to separate genuine leads from fake, which wastes resources; makes it difficult to analyze confessions, which are fact-checked against information known only by investigators; and devalues information provided by witnesses who come forward after public release. Amid lawsuits by media outlets,
1010-433: A firearm, increased access to psychiatric and behavioral health services, and increased penalties for illegally possessing firearms. In October 2019, DeWine held the first meeting of a Lead Advisory Committee he appointed for the state. The committee is meant to advise him on the state's lead remediation efforts. In December 2019, he expressed his support for Ohio allowing cities to ban plastic bags, opposing two bills in
1111-493: A household in the county was $ 31,649, and the median income for a family was $ 35,934. Males had a median income of $ 32,379 versus $ 20,761 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 16,093. About 15.10% of families and 18.60% of the population were below the poverty line , including 23.20% of those under age 18 and 13.60% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 28,709 people, 11,012 households, and 7,743 families living in
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#17330945168941212-517: A letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , he wrote, "Before entering the United States, there is a lengthy, complex, and careful vetting process done by multiple federal agencies to confirm a refugee's eligibility for entrance." In January 2020, DeWine sent troops from the Ohio National Guard to Puerto Rico , which had recently experienced several earthquakes . On January 15, he signed
1313-472: A major cannabis growth site was discovered by police in August 2012, with about 1,200 cannabis plants being destroyed by investigators. In both cases, police suspected connections to Mexican drug cartels. On April 26, Dana Rhoden's father, Leonard Manley, stated that the victims knew their killer(s), citing the presence of Dana's two protective dogs. There was no indication that the dogs tried to attack anyone during
1414-778: A mass shooting occurred in Dayton, Ohio , that killed ten people and injured 27 others; this followed a mass shooting in El Paso, Texas , by just 13 hours. At a vigil for the victims of the Dayton shooting the next day, DeWine was drowned out by a crowd chanting "Do something!"; the chant referred to the lack of legislative gun control actions on the state and federal level . On August 6, DeWine proposed to allow judges to confiscate firearms from those deemed potentially dangerous and to provide them with mental health treatment while maintaining their due process rights. Other notable aspects of DeWine's plan include expanded background checks before purchasing
1515-493: A maximum of $ 225,000 for the governor of New York and a minimum of $ 70,000 for the governor of Maine. The Ohio Checkbook shows that 92 employees of the Ohio state teachers retirement system, including director William Neville, equal or exceed the governor's salary. DeWine lives in the Whitelaw Reid House . He married Frances Struewing on June 3, 1967, and they have had eight children together. Their daughter Rebecca died at
1616-452: A new Heroin Unit to provide Ohio communities with law enforcement, legal, and outreach assistance to combat the state's heroin problem. The Heroin Unit draws from new and existing office resources, including BCI investigative and laboratory services, Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission assistance, prosecutorial support, and outreach and education services. In October 2017, DeWine announced
1717-511: A part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the suit, he alleged that the ACA's Transitional Reinsurance Program (which imposed a fee "paid by all employers who provide group health insurance in the workplace", which in 2014 was $ 63 per covered person and in 2015 was $ 44 per covered person) was unconstitutional as applied to state and local governments. When he filed the suit, DeWine claimed that
1818-481: A statement saying that they were unaware of a link between the case and the New Mexico arrests, that there was no evidence confirming it, and that New Mexico authorities had not contacted them about a suspected connection. KVIA later retracted the error. On August 20, DeWine announced new information regarding the investigation. He confirmed family and community members' suspicions that the perpetrators were familiar with
1919-792: The Cleveland Browns , and the Columbus-based Edwards family announced in October 2018 they were working out the details of a deal to keep the Crew in Columbus. On May 26, 2016, DeWine announced his candidacy for governor of Ohio in 2018 . He confirmed this on June 25, 2017, at the annual ice cream social held at his home in Cedarville, Ohio . On December 1, 2017, DeWine chose Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted as his running mate. On May 8, 2018, he won
2020-684: The Columbus suburbs. He ran unopposed in 1986 in what was regarded as a bad year for Republicans nationally. In 1986, DeWine was one of the House impeachment managers who prosecuted the case in the impeachment trial of Judge Harry E. Claiborne . Claiborne was found guilty by the United States Senate and removed from his federal judgeship. DeWine did not seek reelection to the House of Representatives in 1990, and briefly ran for governor, but withdrew before
2121-641: The Federal Assault Weapons Ban . He has repeatedly received an "F" rating from the National Rifle Association. The National Rifle Association endorsed him for governor. DeWine was one of only two Republican senators to vote against the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act , which banned lawsuits against gun manufacturers, distributors and dealers for criminal misuse of their products. In
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#17330945168942222-534: The Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would have prevented same-sex marriage. He argued in the Supreme Court in favor of prohibitions on same-sex marriage, saying that same-sex marriage bans infringe on "no fundamental right" and that states should not have to recognize same-sex couples who married in other states. DeWine was acting as attorney general against Jim Obergefell in
2323-642: The Ohio "Heartbeat Bill" , into law, prohibiting abortion after a heartbeat is detected in a fetus, with no exceptions for cases of rape and incest, imposing one of the nation's most extensive abortion restrictions. DeWine opposes abortion . In the Senate, he was the lead sponsor of the Unborn Victims of Violence Act and voted for the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act in 2003. In December 2020, DeWine signed
2424-493: The Ohio High School Athletic Association , who can tailor policies to meet the needs of their member athletes and member institutions." In December 2023, he vetoed a bill that would have banned minors from receiving gender-affirming care in Ohio and transgender youth from playing on sports teams that did not match their sex assigned at birth. He said that if the bill became law, "Ohio would be saying that
2525-593: The War of 1812 . Pike County was the site of the Pike County Massacre where eight members of the Rhoden family were shot and killed the evening of April 21–22, 2016. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 444 square miles (1,150 km ), of which 440 square miles (1,100 km ) is land and 3.7 square miles (9.6 km ) (0.8%) is water. As of the census of 2000, there were 27,695 people, 10,444 households, and 7,665 families living in
2626-494: The "Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol initiative". In 2024, DeWine requested lawmakers take action against Delta 8 . After the April 25, 2024, Ohio State University Gaza Solidarity Encampment resulted in at least 36 arrests of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including 16 Ohio State University students, DeWine said, "I think that Ohio State did well", "what we don't want is any kind of hate", and that he opposes protests "right outside
2727-1003: The 13,931 previously untested rape kits over the course of his administration, which led to more than 5,000 DNA hits in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). These DNA matches led to the indictments of approximately 700 alleged rapists, many of whom were serial attackers, connected to cases that would never have been solved if not for the DeWine initiative. DeWine also launched the Crimes Against Children Initiative, which paired BCI criminal investigators with seasoned prosecuting attorneys to investigate and prosecute child predators. The Crimes Against Children Initiative focuses on holding accountable those who sexually and physically abuse children, those who share and view child pornography , and those who target children online. DeWine's office also developed several task forces for
2828-587: The 2006 election cycle, DeWine was the first senatorial candidate to be endorsed by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; he displayed the endorsement on his campaign webpage. In 2019, DeWine proposed a red flag law for Ohio that would allow courts to take guns from people seen as a threats to others or themselves. In January 2021, he signed into law a bill that removed the requirement to attempt to retreat before shooting in self-defense, and in March 2022 he signed
2929-439: The 50th Attorney General of Ohio from 2011 to 2019, in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1991, and in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007. DeWine is a native of Yellow Springs, Ohio . He graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in 1969 and earned a Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1972. After graduation, DeWine worked as an assistant prosecutor for Greene County and
3030-437: The 50th attorney general of Ohio , serving from 2011 to 2019. He was elected governor in 2018 . During DeWine's first term as governor, a shooting in Dayton prompted him to urge the Ohio legislature to enact new gun control measures, such as expanding background checks and harsher penalties for those in possession of unregistered firearms. In early 2020, DeWine received national attention for his COVID-19 response, ordering
3131-462: The American people a reason to vote for you, a reason to hope, a reason to believe that under your leadership, America will be better. Rick Santorum has done that. Sadly, Governor Romney has not." On November 4, 2014, DeWine was reelected as attorney general, defeating challenger David A. Pepper . He carried 83 of Ohio's 88 counties. In 2015, DeWine filed a lawsuit in federal court in Ohio against
Pike County shootings - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-455: The Appalachian (southern) region of the U.S. state of Ohio . As of the 2020 census , the population was 27,088. Its county seat is Waverly . The county is named for explorer Zebulon Pike . Pike County was organized on February 1, 1815, from portions of Scioto, Ross, and Adams Counties, and was named in honor of Zebulon Pike , the explorer and soldier who had recently been killed in
3333-429: The DeWine administration, DNA test results are now returned to local law enforcement in less than a month, leading to faster apprehension of dangerous suspects. Upon taking office in 2011, DeWine launched a special sexual assault kit (SAK) testing initiative after learning that hundreds of police departments across Ohio had thousands of untested rape kits on their evidence room shelves. DeWine invested resources to test
3434-567: The Ohio shootings and a double homicide in Kenton County that occurred two weeks before. The victims, a well-known drug dealer and his girlfriend, were found fatally shot execution-style in their bed. The uncaught Kenton County killers, who were believed to be familiar with the victims' home, also left any children in the house unharmed. A total of 770 tips had been submitted to investigators as of September 23, according to court documents released on October 7. On September 28, WXIX-TV reported that
3535-508: The Republican primary, defeating incumbent Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor with 59.8% of the vote. He defeated the Democratic nominee, former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray in the general election, by a margin of about four percentage points. On February 22, 2019, President Trump appointed DeWine to the bipartisan Council of Governors . On August 4, 2019,
3636-410: The Rhoden family houses, all seized by the state as part of the investigation, were not being guarded properly. A news team had spent six weeks, starting from August 14 and ending in late September, watching the warehouse. Their surveillance reportedly turned up an absence of uniformed officers guarding the building, as well as a lack of security cameras and an unlocked, open main gate. DeWine responded to
3737-465: The Rhodens, were arrested in Ohio and Kentucky , and charged in the eight murders. Edward "Jake" Wagner, an ex-boyfriend of victim, Hanna Rhoden, and father of her three-year-old daughter pleaded guilty to all eight murders; he later testified that he shot five of the eight victims. The bodies were first discovered on April 22, 2016, after Bobby Jo Manley, a sister of victim Dana Rhoden, came to feed pets at
3838-524: The Southern Ohio Crime Stoppers fund was authorized on May 10, but not announced by authorities until ten weeks later on July 21 due to a "miscommunication and a misunderstanding" about public notification. Police believed that more than one shooter was responsible for the killings, since two of the crime scenes were within walking distance, a third located about a mile away, and the fourth about eight miles away. Investigators briefly considered
3939-441: The case Obergefell v. Hodges . The Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling against DeWine and other defendants, finding same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional. In 2021, DeWine opposed a bill that would have banned transgender athletes from playing on sports teams that do not match their sex at birth, saying, "This issue is best addressed outside of government, through individual sports leagues and athletic associations, including
4040-472: The claims, calling them "ludicrous" and asserting that the evidence was preserved and is not compromised. Reacting to the report, a former prosecutor from Hamilton County criticized the inadequate security measures and said, "Any evidence that they would pull out of that thing would be virtually useless." On October 1, DeWine said that investigators were getting leads in the case and that the state had enough physical evidence for prosecution. He also appealed to
4141-488: The closing of dine-in restaurant service and sporting events and delegating additional resources to elderly care facilities. He was reelected by a landslide 25% margin against Democratic nominee Nan Whaley , the former mayor of Dayton , in 2022. DeWine was born in Springfield, Ohio , on January 5, 1947, and grew up in nearby Yellow Springs, Ohio . He is the son of Jean Ruth ( née Liddle) and Richard Lee DeWine. He
Pike County shootings - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-541: The coroner's office released heavily redacted versions of the final reports on September 23, 2016. The Fourth District Court of Appeals denied the Enquirer's request for an unredacted copy of the autopsy report on March 17, 2017. On September 19, 2018, the Ohio Supreme Court overturned a lower court's refusal to release the autopsy reports and the full autopsy reports were then publicly released. On April 28, Gary Rhoden
4343-414: The county. The population density was 65.2 inhabitants per square mile (25.2/km ). There were 12,481 housing units at an average density of 28.3 units per square mile (10.9 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 96.6% white, 0.9% black or African American, 0.5% American Indian, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 0.7% of
4444-409: The county. The population density was 63 people per square mile (24 people/km ). There were 11,602 housing units at an average density of 26 units per square mile (10/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 96.72% White , 0.89% Black or African American , 0.74% Native American , 0.18% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.07% from other races , and 1.36% from two or more races. 0.56% of
4545-530: The crime scenes and are believed to have been grown for sale and not for personal use. It was not known whether the cannabis was connected to the shootings, though investigators confirmed the possibility of the involvement of a Mexican drug cartel . Cannabis cultivation is a common occurrence in Pike County: in 2010, 22,000 cannabis plants were seized by authorities in Latham , 15 miles (24 km) west of Piketon; and
4646-464: The door of a classroom". The demonstrators at the encampment were on the South Oval, which is not in the vicinity of any classrooms. DeWine also said he supported the arrests at Ohio State in the form of Ohio State Highway Patrol , which included an officer who aimed a rifle at protesters during the encampment's dispersal. He said that he supports Ohio and the U.S. "backing the country of Israel". In
4747-412: The emblem. Pike County used to be very strongly Democratic in presidential elections, being the only county in the state to vote for Adlai Stevenson in 1956. However, things have changed recently; Bill Clinton in 1996 was the last Democrat to win the county, though Barack Obama lost here by only one vote in 2012. In 2016, the county took a sharp turn to the right as Republican Donald Trump won over 65% of
4848-588: The epidemic in Ohio and across the country. In October 2017, news reports surfaced that Anthony Precourt , the investor-operator of the soccer club Columbus Crew , was exploring the option of moving the team out of state. After the Cleveland Browns moved to Baltimore in the late 1990s , the Ohio General Assembly passed a law requiring professional sports teams that had accepted taxpayer assistance to provide an opportunity for local owners to purchase
4949-459: The father of her 4-day-old daughter who was unharmed during the killings. Rhoden was only 13 years old when their sexual relationship began. On June 20, 2017, Ohio police announced that they were seeking additional information on Jake Wagner, as well as his parents Billy and Angela and brother George. The family was living in Alaska at that time and police wanted to learn of interactions that members of
5050-604: The fee was "an unprecedented attempt to destroy the balance of authority between the federal government and the states". In January 2016, the federal court dismissed DeWine's suit, with U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley holding that the Transitional Reinsurance Program did not violate the Constitution. DeWine appealed, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed Marbley's dismissal of
5151-697: The following night. An investigative task force of at least 100 members, led by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI), was assembled. More than 251 law enforcement officials were involved in the investigation overall, and sheriffs from 25 offices across Ohio offered to provide resources to Pike County. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration provided technical expertise to DeWine's office. At least five search warrants were executed, and more than 50 people were interviewed in connection with
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#17330945168945252-514: The funerals of the last six victims, authorities towed away at least three vehicles from property belonging to the Rhoden family; a spokeswoman for Mike DeWine said they were towed "as part of the investigation". Additional vehicles were towed the next day as well. They were all dropped off at the base of operations set up by the investigative task force. As of May 12, more than 500 tips had been submitted and 128 interviews were conducted. On May 12, DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader announced
5353-494: The gender-affirming care ban. In November 2024, DeWine signed into law a bill prohibiting students in public schools from using restrooms other than those for the gender they were assigned at birth. In 2019, DeWine said: "it would really be a mistake for Ohio, by legislation, to say that marijuana for adults is just OK." In February 2020, NORML , a group advocating the legalization of marijuana , gave DeWine an "F" rating in relation to his policies. He opposed 2023 Ohio Issue 2 ,
5454-491: The head and neck. Bruising was also found on some of the bodies, indicating some of the victims were beaten as well. Some of the victims were found shot in their beds. From the number of gunshot wounds on the victims' bodies, an estimated total of 32 shots were fired during the killings. The offices of the county coroner and the Ohio Attorney General announced that the full final autopsy reports would not be released to
5555-506: The homes were being stored in a warehouse that was once part of a chemical processing company. On November 24, dozens of family vehicles and farming equipment, which were seized and investigated earlier in May, were returned to the victims' relatives. On August 4, during a court hearing relating to the custody of the 6-month-old and 4-day-old children left alive, Sheriff Charles Reader confirmed investigators' early suspicions that more than one shooter
5656-415: The homes. Police were first alerted after receiving a 9-1-1 call about two bodies inside a home on Union Hill Road, at 7:51 a.m. EDT . Before the police arrived, Manley discovered two more bodies in a second trailer on the property. Her brother, James Manley, went to check on their sister Dana, and discovered a third crime scene, where the police found three more victims when they arrived. At 1:26 p.m.,
5757-476: The invasion was "unacceptable, and all freedom-loving people should stand against this unprovoked invasion”. On February 26, he took action in support of Ukraine by banning the purchase and sale of Russian Standard vodka within the state of Ohio because the brand and distilleries are owned by a Russian corporation. Retailers were asked to "immediately pull Green Mark Vodka" (an alternate variety of Russian Standard) "and Russian Standard Vodka from their shelves". On
5858-586: The investigation and prosecutions of human trafficking throughout the state. As attorney general, DeWine took steps to close down " pill mills " in Ohio that fueled the opioid epidemic . By the end of his first year in office, he had worked to close all 12 pill mills in Scioto County , considered by many to have been the national center of the prescription drug crisis. DeWine's efforts also led to more than 100 doctors and pharmacists losing their licenses for improper prescription practices. In 2013, DeWine formed
5959-560: The investigation. Following his reelection to the position of sheriff, Reader reiterated this belief and added that people may be scared of providing information. On January 20, 2017, DeWine, on behalf of the Ohio Victims of Crime Compensation Program, denied a request by family member David Weisel to recover lost compensation related to the massacre. On May 12, 2017, a SWAT team from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office raided
6060-542: The killings. Seventy-nine pieces of evidence were examined, including a Facebook threat aimed at Christopher Rhoden Jr., which was posted before the shootings. On April 25, a spokesperson for DeWine's office also confirmed that cannabis was discovered at the three crime scenes on Union Hill Road, including an indoor grow house in which hundreds of cannabis plants were being grown, as well as chickens and equipment consistent with breeding chickens for cockfighting . An estimated total of 200 cannabis plants were recovered from
6161-506: The law firm Keating Muething & Klekamp as corporate investigations group co-chair. He also advised the Ohio campaign of John McCain's 2008 presidential bid . On July 21, 2009, DeWine announced candidacy for attorney general of the State of Ohio. On November 2, 2010, he was elected attorney general, defeating incumbent Richard Cordray , 48–46%. As attorney general of Ohio, DeWine sent letters to drugstore chains encouraging them to discontinue
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#17330945168946262-422: The library loaned more than 238,000 items to its 20,000 cardholders. Total holding are over 91,000 volumes with over 210 periodical subscriptions. Pike County has adopted a county flag with an unusual shape, rounded at the fly end. It bears fourteen stars, representing the county's townships, and various industry symbols within a circular emblem, all upon a green field. The flag is through and through except for
6363-429: The most aggressive governors in responding to the pandemic". He has supported funding for COVID-19 , signing his support of a funding bill along with 37 other governors in March 2020. On March 11, 2020, DeWine issued an order limiting visitors to Ohio assisted living facilities and nursing homes, limiting visitors to one per day per resident, with all visitors to be screened for illness. Also on March 11, he announced he
6464-417: The mother of Angela Wagner, Rita Newcomb, 65, of South Webster , and Fredericka Wagner, the mother of Billy Wagner. They were charged with perjury and obstructing justice for allegedly misleading investigators; Newcomb also was charged with forging custody documents to cover up the crimes. Charges against Fredericka Wagner were dismissed. Pike County, Ohio Pike County is a county located in
6565-456: The perpetrators were known to the Rhoden family. On April 25, the Ohio Attorney General 's office confirmed the presence of marijuana cultivation and cockfighting operations at some of the crime scenes, but did not confirm a direct connection to the killings. The ensuing investigation soon became the largest in Ohio's history. In November 2018, four members of the Wagner family, who were known to
6666-443: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 10,444 households, out of which 35.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 11.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 22.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
6767-428: The population. In terms of ancestry, 19.3% were German , 14.8% were Irish , 12.9% were English , and 12.5% were American . Of the 11,012 households, 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.7% were non-families, and 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size
6868-546: The possibility of a murder–suicide , but it was discredited as none of the victims' deaths appeared to be suicides. Attorney General DeWine stated that the killings were planned, premeditated, and "a sophisticated operation," citing the efforts taken by the shooter or shooters to cover up their tracks and remove any incriminating forensic evidence . All of the victims were members of the Rhoden family. Surviving family members were urged by police to take precautions, and all residents of Peebles were advised to stay inside their homes
6969-685: The primaries and instead ran for lieutenant governor as George Voinovich 's running mate in that year's Ohio gubernatorial election . The Voinovich-DeWine ticket was easily elected. In 1992 , DeWine unsuccessfully ran for United States Senate against the former astronaut and incumbent Senator John Glenn . His campaign used the phrase, "What on earth has John Glenn done?", echoing Jeff Bingaman 's slogan "What on Earth has he done for you lately?" against former astronaut Harrison Schmitt in their 1982 Senate race . In 1994 , DeWine ran again for Senate, defeating prominent attorney Joel Hyatt (the son-in-law of retiring Senator Howard Metzenbaum ) by
7070-462: The pro-Republican redistricting map. In 2018, Ohio voted in a referendum for anti-gerrymandering reform that encouraged bipartisan support for redistricting maps. The same year, DeWine pledged to honor the voters' wishes and support a redistricting process conducted in a bipartisan way, but in 2021 he approved the changes for 2022 onward. In Congress, DeWine was known for his support for gun control measures. In 2004, he cosponsored an amendment to renew
7171-498: The public had with the family, specifically conversations pertaining to vehicles, firearms and ammunition. On November 13, 2018, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced that George "Billy" Wagner and Angela Wagner and their sons, Edward ("Jake") and George, had been arrested and charged with planning and carrying out the murders. The suspects were all members of the Wagner-Newcomb family from South Webster : Also arrested were
7272-469: The public, citing security concerns. On July 22, 2016, The Cincinnati Enquirer filed a lawsuit against the Pike County Coroner's Office, asking for the full autopsy records of the victims. On August 12, 2016, a similar lawsuit was filed by The Columbus Dispatch . In both cases, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine called for mediation, which attracted criticism and accusations that it was merely
7373-487: The public, explaining that there are people who know more about the shootings. On November 14, Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader issued a statement urging people with knowledge of the killings to come forward. He followed up with a second statement threatening to arrest anyone who may be obstructing the investigation, including relatives, family friends, and neighbors. Reacting to the second statement, Dana Rhoden's father, Leonard Manley, said that he "held nothing back" during
7474-399: The sale of tobacco products. In the 2012 Republican presidential primary , DeWine endorsed Tim Pawlenty , then endorsed Mitt Romney after Pawlenty dropped out of the race. On February 17, 2012, DeWine announced he was retracting his endorsement of Romney and endorsed Rick Santorum . DeWine said, "To be elected president, you have to do more than tear down your opponents. You have to give
7575-536: The same day, DeWine declared February 27, 2022, a "Day of Prayer for the People of Ukraine". On March 8, he directed the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to convene with resettlement agencies, faith-based organizations, and charities, in a summit to plan for possible resettlement of displaced Ukrainian citizens within Ohio. This summit occurred on March 17. In April 2019, DeWine signed House Bill 493, known as
7676-406: The same interview, he expressed support for Ohio Revised Code Section 9.76 , which legally prohibits Ohio State from boycotting or divesting from companies on the basis of their support for Israel. In 2020, DeWine signed a bill that forbids colleges and universities in Ohio blocking controversial speakers. The same year, DeWine's compensation was 17th among state governors, at $ 159,189, compared to
7777-502: The shootings, and there were no signs of forced entry at any of the crime scenes. Manley, who was not involved in the shootings, also said his daughter had no involvement in the exposed cannabis operations, saying that "they are trying to drag my daughter through the mud, and I don't appreciate that." Some family members have acknowledged brothers Kenneth and Christopher Rhoden Sr. growing cannabis, but added that they were unaware of any high-volume cultivation occurring. On May 3, following
7878-586: The state legislature that would have forbidden it being pushed by fellow Republicans. On December 10, 2019, during the Ohio Contractors Association's winter conference in Columbus , DeWine said that he wanted to improve the Interstate rest areas in Ohio by adding more information about Ohio's history and culture. He also said, "I'm told that our rest areas are sorry." In late December, DeWine announced that Ohio would continue to accept refugees. In
7979-450: The state's intention to relocate the mobile homes where the killings occurred to a secure location, in order to preserve evidence and protect the personal effects of the Rhoden family. Three of the homes were taken to a property in Waverly , where the investigative task force set up their command center, while the fourth would arrive later due to complications in removing it. As of October 6,
8080-411: The state—that the government knows better what is medically best for a child than the two people who love that child the most, their parents." In January 2024, DeWine signed an executive order that restricted gender-affirming care for youth while also proposing new administrative rules focused on transgender youth and adults. The Republican-dominated legislature immediately overrode DeWine's veto of
8181-466: The suit. DeWine's stated goal has been "Protecting Ohio Families". To that effect, he made it a priority to significantly reduce DNA testing turnaround times in connection with open criminal investigations. Under his predecessor, DNA testing at the Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) took approximately four months in cases such as murders, rapes, and assaults. Under
8282-435: The team before initiating a move. In December 2017, DeWine sent a letter to Precourt reminding him of his obligations under Ohio law. After Precourt failed to respond, DeWine filed suit against Precourt and Major League Soccer in March 2018 to enforce Ohio law and insist upon a reasonable opportunity for local investors to buy the team. As the lawsuit played out, an investor group including Dee and Jimmy Haslam , owners of
8383-595: The three-year-old was put under the guardianship of his mother, who was not involved in the shootings. Three weapons were used in the shootings: a 7.62×39mm SKS semi-automatic rifle, a .40-caliber Glock 22 Gen 2 semi-automatic pistol, and a Walther Colt 1911 .22-caliber pistol. The eight victims were identified as: The bodies of the victims were taken to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office in Cincinnati, where autopsies found that all but one of
8484-428: The time but was soon seen as less so, with Axios calling DeWine "among the leading governors in the country sounding the alarm about the threat of the coronavirus" and The Washington Post calling his and Acton's response "a national guide to the crisis" and "textbook recommendations", pointing out numerous occasions when moves Ohio made were soon duplicated by other states. The Hill said DeWine had "been one of
8585-533: The time having "frozen all Ohio executions indefinitely as the state struggles to find lethal-injection drugs". Informed of the public risk by Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton , on March 3, DeWine canceled most of the Arnold Sports Festival due to the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio , before any cases or deaths were reported. The cancellation was widely regarded as "radical" at
8686-407: The victims were shot multiple times. Four of the victims were shot once, twice, or three times; one was shot four times; two were shot five times; and the eighth suffered a total of nine gunshot wounds. Death certificates released on May 28 clarified that six of the eight victims were shot in the head only; Christopher Rhoden Sr. suffered gunshot wounds to the head, torso and limbs, and Dana was shot in
8787-423: The victims – six adults and a 16-year-old boy – were discovered to have been shot execution-style in three adjacent houses, while the eighth victim, an adult male, was found shot to death in his camper in nearby Piketon . Three young children, including two infants, were physically unharmed. At least two shooters were initially believed to be responsible. Investigators believe the murders were premeditated, and that
8888-510: The victims, their homes, and the surrounding area. He also announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies had become involved with the investigation. In addition, DeWine speculated that residents in the area have more knowledge than what they are sharing with investigators. On August 23, officials in Kenton County, Kentucky , located about 100 miles (160 km) from Pike County, reported similarities between
8989-480: The vote in the county; he went on to win over 70% four years later. 39°05′N 83°04′W / 39.08°N 83.07°W / 39.08; -83.07 Mike DeWine Richard Michael DeWine ( / d ə ˈ w aɪ n / də- WYNE ; born January 5, 1947) is an American politician and attorney serving since 2019 as the 70th governor of Ohio . A member of the Republican Party , he served as
9090-500: The willingness of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction". In 2021, DeWine signed a redistricting map that favored Republicans. The map gave Republicans an advantage in 12 out of 15 districts, leaving two safely Democratic districts and one toss-up district. The map passed the Ohio legislature without any support from Democrats. Voting rights advocates called on DeWine to veto
9191-692: Was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age was 39.2 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 35,912 and the median income for a family was $ 43,010. Males had a median income of $ 40,645 versus $ 27,422 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 17,494. About 18.0% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 32.7% of those under age 18 and 15.2% of those age 65 or over. The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library serves area communities from its main branch in Waverly, Ohio and from its branches in Beaver , Piketon , and Western Pike County. In 2005,
9292-400: Was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.04. In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.20% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.90% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.50 males. The median income for
9393-675: Was a member of the Gang of 14 , a bipartisan group of senators that in 2005 made a compromise on judicial nominees. He voted in favor of the 2002 Iraq Resolution authorizing the use of force against Saddam Hussein. In the 2006 United States Senate election in Ohio , DeWine ran for reelection but lost to U.S. Representative and former Ohio Secretary of State Sherrod Brown by double digits. He received 905,644 fewer votes in 2006 than he received in 2000. DeWine accepted positions teaching government courses at Cedarville University , Ohio Northern University and Miami University . In 2007, he joined
9494-406: Was briefed on the killings, described them as "tragic beyond comprehension". Cincinnati-area businessman Jeff Ruby (namesake of Jeff Ruby Steaks ) offered a reward of $ 25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the shootings. On April 28, 2016, Ruby withdrew his reward, citing "recent complex criminal developments" in a post on Twitter. A reward of $ 10,000 from
9595-414: Was drafting legislation to limit mass gatherings in the state. DeWine barred spectators from sporting events; was first in the U.S. to shut down schools throughout his state; and, on the night before it was to take place, postponed Ohio's primary election. He directed the Ohio Department of Health to order the closing of the state's more than 22,000 food service locations and bars, except for carry-out. This
9696-547: Was elected county prosecutor, serving one term. He continued his political career in the Ohio Senate in 1980. He served as a U.S. representative from 1983 until 1991. In 1991 he was sworn in as the 59th lieutenant governor of Ohio , under George Voinovich . DeWine was elected to the United States Senate in a landslide in the 1994 Republican Revolution . He served in the Senate until his defeat by Sherrod Brown in 2006 . DeWine returned to politics four years later and became
9797-656: Was elected to the Ohio State Senate and served one two-year term. In 1982, U.S. Representative Bud Brown of Ohio's 7th congressional district retired after 18 years in Congress; his father, Clarence Brown, Sr. , had held the seat for 26 years before that. DeWine won the Republican nomination, assuring his election in November. He was reelected three more times from this district, which stretches from his home in Springfield to
9898-678: Was involved in the killings. He also said that the two children remained in "grave danger" because of the investigation, and that the investigation was possibly the largest in the BCI's history. On August 13, KVIA-TV incorrectly reported that two men arrested in Hatch, New Mexico , for the shooting death of a police officer were also suspected in the Rhoden familicide. The men, in reality, were suspected of another shooting death in Londonderry, Ross County, Ohio . DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles S. Reader issued
9999-500: Was one of the earliest state closures of restaurants in response to the pandemic and drew disapproval from many high-level state Republicans. On April 1, the BBC called DeWine "quick to defer to Dr Acton for specific questions on the virus and its spread" during daily news briefings, "reminding Ohioans that the state's decisions are driven by science". During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , DeWine voiced support for Ukraine, saying that
10100-466: Was raised and identifies as a Roman Catholic . DeWine earned his Bachelor of Science degree in education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio , in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University College of Law in 1972. At age 25, DeWine started working as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Greene County, Ohio , and in 1976 was elected County Prosecutor, serving for four years. In 1980, he
10201-526: Was the first of the victims to be buried, with his funeral proceedings being held in South Shore , Kentucky . Hannah Hazel Gilley was the next to be buried, on May 1, at Otway, Ohio . Funerals for the remaining victims took place on May 3 at West Portsmouth , where there was a high level of security. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine approved more than $ 20,000 to help pay for the funerals. Ohio Governor and 2016 U.S. presidential candidate John Kasich , who
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