​Young mother killed in Ohio massacre mourned

PIKETON, Ohio -- The long goodbyes to eight members of a rural Ohio family killed more than a week ago continued Saturday with a funeral for a young mother as authorities remained silent in what they've said will be a lengthy investigation.

Members of the Rhoden family were shot in the head at four different homes near Piketon on April 22. Authorities say the deaths were a pre-planned "sophisticated operation" and they haven't released any specifics on possible suspects or a motive.

Hannah Gilley, 20, whose baby was one of three children who survived the massacre, was buried Saturday following a funeral in Otway, Ohio, CBS affiliate WBNS reported. Gilley was the fiancée of 20-year-old Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, another victim of the shootings.

The others were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden; his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, including Frankie, 16-year-old Christopher Jr., and 19-year-old Hanna; Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; their cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.

Besides Gilley's baby, Hanna Rhoden's infant and another young child also were unharmed.

Hundreds of family members, friends and community residents attended a vigil Friday at the Pike County fairgrounds to remember those who died. They clutched lighted candles and launched balloons.

Many wore T-shirts with photos and messages on them, The Columbus Dispatch reported. There were hugs, tears and stories from those who knew the victims well.

"This is a loving community," said Leonard Manley, Dana Rhoden's father, before the vigil began. "If you've got a friend who comes up and hugs you, that's the greatest thing in the world."

Fifteen-year-old Samantha Tschudy attended the vigil. She had known Christopher Rhoden Jr. since kindergarten; he was a former boyfriend.

"This is the hardest day yet," she said.

Her mother, Melissa Tschudy, helped organize the vigil, which also was a fundraiser for the victims' families.

Gary Rhoden's funeral was held Thursday in Kentucky. Funerals for the six others will take place Tuesday.

A May 7 benefit is planned to raise money for Gilley's funeral expenses and headstone, WBNS reported. The event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. at Beril's Bar and Grill in Piketon.