OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) - #30

[RichP]

I have a "dark" theory about the final R, who was found, but...TOS.

Does it go something along the lines of "KR was only shot once because he had helped the killers

in some way in the killing of the others? His only being shot once was almost a statement of

'we're sorry buddy but we gotta do this' ".

I've always thought that CRsr was main target and DR and FR were killed because of fear that

CRsr probably talked with them. GR, HG, HR and CRjr "wrong place, wrong time".

 

[Satchie]

Well, it was a ruse used often by the Mafia in the US and in Italy.

Here's a case of two New York policemen who worked as Mafia hitmen during the 1980's and 90's

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...uble-lives-as-mafia-hitmen-jailed-481252.html



The St Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago was committed by mobsters dressed as police

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Valentine's_Day_Massacre

Here's a video of Mexican policemen working for a cartel pretending to arrest men who were later assassinated

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37UXUgydfs4

Here's an article about Mexican cartels paying US servicemen to assassinate enemies

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nat...hire-u-s-soldiers-assassins-article-1.1454851

Here's a list of high profile cases where killers dressed as cops. The most recent case is one followed here where someone dressed as a cop in tactical gear killed Missy Bevers.

https://www.ranker.com/list/pretend-cops/christopher-shultz

It's not an uncommon tactic and not difficult to pull off.

Ok, interesting. However, I was referring specifically to the theory that there is a team of hitmen currently operating in the US, who are assigned to go anywhere they are needed, who do training and briefing sessions in the area, in order to commit massacres inside homes protected by dogs, etc. I would think there would be news about similar cases to the Rhoden's from all over the country, especially from California, where most of the marijuana in the US is grown, and small time growers are pulling in millions of dollars per year.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...-farms-force-cops-wield-green-stick/88868934/

 

[rsd1200]

Does it go something along the lines of "KR was only shot once because he had helped the killers

in some way in the killing of the others? His only being shot once was almost a statement of

'we're sorry buddy but we gotta do this' ".

I've always thought that CRsr was main target and DR and FR were killed because of fear that

CRsr probably talked with them. GR, HG, HR and CRjr "wrong place, wrong time".

Along those lines, yes. KR would still be a victim if they used him to get to the others, then, as you say, told him, Sorry dude, thanks for the info, but we gotta do what we gotta do.

He may not even know at the time, but, that morning when they found the bodies, he'd put the pieces together.

 

[Betty P]

Ok, interesting. However, I was referring specifically to the theory that there is a team of hitmen currently operating in the US, who are assigned to go anywhere they are needed, who do training and briefing sessions in the area, in order to commit massacres inside homes protected by dogs, etc. I would think there would be news about similar cases to the Rhoden's from all over the country, especially from California, where most of the marijuana in the US is grown, and small time growers are pulling in millions of dollars per year.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...-farms-force-cops-wield-green-stick/88868934/

Yes, though the Rhoden family massacre is an exception for the excessive number of people killed. If you go back in the threads here and visit the Media & Timelines thread, there are some links to several similar unsolved murder cases in the region (southern Ohio, KY) with a similar MO. People who were or had been involved peripherally in the drug business who were murdered in their homes, shot in their beds, with little of no evidence left, no witnesses, etc. In at least two of the cases, it was suspected they were people who were working with law enforcement.

ETA: Re your link about the California drug trade, there have been many unsolved murders in the drug trade out there, both grow ops form MJ and otherwise. Now that CA has legalized MJ for recreational use, here's hoping that crime subsides.

 

[rsd1200]

Yes, though the Rhoden family massacre is an exception for the excessive number of people killed. If you go back in the threads here and visit the Media & Timelines thread, there are some links to several similar unsolved murder cases in the region (southern Ohio, KY) with a similar MO. People who were or had been involved peripherally in the drug business who were murdered in their homes, shot in their beds, with little of no evidence left, no witnesses, etc. In at least two of the cases, it was suspected they were people who were working with law enforcement.

ETA: Re your link about the California drug trade, there have been many unsolved murders in the drug trade out there, both grow ops form MJ and otherwise. Now that CA has legalized MJ for recreational use, here's hoping that crime subsides.

BBM
I've posted this before but I'd not rule out dirty LEOs. The Mexi/Cali drug trade was what our Ky. "good ole boy" LEO was into and he'd plotted to kill the sheriff before they nailed him. If dirty LEOs are the case here, then someone from outside needs to come into Ohio. Ky. just put weed up for medical, a step, but still b.s. The feds now have $$ to go after states where the people have spoke. No matter, as long as there are street drugs that folks want to put into their bodies, for whatever reason, there will be illegal drug trade, and dirty cops.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/30047174/...cted-on-drug-charges-linked-to-mexican-cartel

 

[Dudly]

BBM
I've posted this before but I'd not rule out dirty LEOs. The Mexi/Cali drug trade was what our Ky. "good ole boy" LEO was into and he'd plotted to kill the sheriff before they nailed him. If dirty LEOs are the case here, then someone from outside needs to come into Ohio. Ky. just put weed up for medical, a step, but still b.s. The feds now have $$ to go after states where the people have spoke. No matter, as long as there are street drugs that folks want to put into their bodies, for whatever reason, there will be illegal drug trade, and dirty cops.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/30047174/...cted-on-drug-charges-linked-to-mexican-cartel

Thinking about how Sessions said it was up to individual state agents to go after pots offenses or not leaves things wide open for corruption. The DOJ agents can pick who they want to prosecute or not...

 

[rsd1200]

Thinking about how Sessions said it was up to individual state agents to go after pots offenses or not leaves things wide open for corruption. The DOJ agents can pick who they want to prosecute or not...

He's removed the barrier that was in place, that kept the feds from coming in and prosecuting the people in these states. Sessions own words: “Good people don't smoke marijuana.”. He wants to increase asset forfeiture. which allows them to take your money and property without you ever being charged or convicted, and he's rolled back sentencing guidelines. The man is living in the highly misinformed era of "Reefer Madness".

 

[Dudly]

He's removed the barrier that was in place, that kept the feds from coming in and prosecuting the people in these states. Sessions own words: “Good people don't smoke marijuana.”. He wants to increase asset forfeiture. which allows them to take your money and property without you ever being charged or convicted, and he's rolled back sentencing guidelines. The man is living in the highly misinformed era of "Reefer Madness".

This could really turn into a mess. I got a feeling it could get real politically motivated on who they decide to prosecute. Will they wait till people have huge investments and then say, we'll take that thank you....He is definitely looking to take us back to the 60s or 70s...

 

[rsd1200]

This could really turn into a mess. I got a feeling it could get real politically motivated on who they decide to prosecute. Will they wait till people have huge investments and then say, we'll take that thank you....He is definitely looking to take us back to the 60s or 70s...

Oh, definitely. Obama's move, while a band aid, was up for grabs at the end of his term. It helped, but he was in a position, for eight years, to get it off of the Sched I drug list, but did not do so. Now, we have Sessions, and he's not only many things I'll not name, but he's mean tempered. Combine that, with, I think, a love to take everything that everyone has worked for, in that cannabis industry...and the cannabis folks better be growing eyes in the back of their heads. Yet we have a liquor store on almost every corner in this country. States' Rights. It's a thing.

 

[colette]

Time to legalize cannabis nationwide.

 

[samanthalawson69]

Time to legalize cannabis nationwide.

It would solve a lot of issues.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[Dudly]

Time to legalize cannabis nationwide.

I'm for that but there are so many questions to be answered first. They have no idea how much is too much or a quick way to test for drivers. Will employers still be able to fire someone for using it and what has to change there. Can it be used in the presence of minors due to second hand smoke. Who is going to control sales, the government or individuals? What will the punishment be for misuse? I'm sure there are more...

 

[rsd1200]

I'm for that but there are so many questions to be answered first. They have no idea how much is too much or a quick way to test for drivers. Will employers still be able to fire someone for using it and what has to change there. Can it be used in the presence of minors due to second hand smoke. Who is going to control sales, the government or individuals? What will the punishment be for misuse? I'm sure there are more...

O/T but much the same they do alcohol. You get drunk at work? They can fire you. I had to drive, quite often, for the place I worked for, and thus had to carry the limit in vehicle insurance, on my own vehicle, in case I did something stupid, while driving on work time. If you're driving erratic? Pull someone over. People smoke cigs and drink alcohol in front of their children. You cannot get high from merely being in the presence of cannabis smoke unless someone shotguns you (and that is most often consensual) You can't die from smoking too much weed. You might sleep for awhile but you won't die. If a bale fell on me , then, yes, it's likely I might sustain an injury, or die. You can die from drinking too much alcohol, and withdrawing from alcohol. You can die from nicotine poison/withdrawal. It is also a better alternative to opiates too. Mucho grande better alternative. I used weed here and there when I was young. I didn't care for it at that time. I preferred other avenues. At the age I am now, it is wonderful for some types of pain management, and other ailments. I don't really care if they legalize in my state or not at this point though. It will be a logistical nightmare.

 

[Betty P]

This could really turn into a mess. I got a feeling it could get real politically motivated on who they decide to prosecute. Will they wait till people have huge investments and then say, we'll take that thank you....He is definitely looking to take us back to the 60s or 70s...

I don't think they'll go after the companies that have big investments in the legal MJ industry. They all seem to be big corporations that make generous donations to politicians. They'll probably use the legal changes to shake down the big investors for campaign contributions while making money off ticketing and jailing the small time users.

 

[rsd1200]

I don't think they'll go after the companies that have big investments in the legal MJ industry. They all seem to be big corporations that make generous donations to politicians. They'll probably use the legal changes to shake down the big investors for campaign contributions while making money off ticketing and jailing the small time users.

The small time dealers/users have been ticketed for years. Sessions would like to increase the laws surrounding that too. Bigger fines, more jail time.

The folks out in legal states, who risked it all and have built a life, out of their businesses, are the ones I'm worried about. They, and their employees, could lose everything they have, and I doubt they could even file for bankruptcy. The operate, wholly, in cash. They can't even get Brinx trucks to escort them to where they've made a place to hold their cash. Yet they pay the IRS their share and then some each year, since they aren't allowed to take exemptions, tax breaks, that other companies qualify for.

 

[amauet1]

Pike Co is still down, all this silence is getting to me.

 

[Dudly]

O/T but much the same they do alcohol. You get drunk at work? They can fire you. I had to drive, quite often, for the place I worked for, and thus had to carry the limit in vehicle insurance, on my own vehicle, in case I did something stupid, while driving on work time. If you're driving erratic? Pull someone over. People smoke cigs and drink alcohol in front of their children. You cannot get high from merely being in the presence of cannabis smoke unless someone shotguns you (and that is most often consensual) You can't die from smoking too much weed. You might sleep for awhile but you won't die. If a bale fell on me , then, yes, it's likely I might sustain an injury, or die. You can die from drinking too much alcohol, and withdrawing from alcohol. You can die from nicotine poison/withdrawal. It is also a better alternative to opiates too. Mucho grande better alternative. I used weed here and there when I was young. I didn't care for it at that time. I preferred other avenues. At the age I am now, it is wonderful for some types of pain management, and other ailments. I don't really care if they legalize in my state or not at this point though. It will be a logistical nightmare.

Where I see the problem is deciding how much is too much for driving or at work. Who decides and how do they decide how much you can have in your system to drive and not considered impaired. You can have alcohol in your system at work and not be "drunk" and not get fired. How much THC can you have and not get fired. Can a company say any THC is too much without discriminating if it is for medical use? How are they going to test for THC levels in a simple timely manor? Will a taxi driver, police officer, fireman, doctor, etc. be allowed to use medical marijuana? I see lots of "gray" areas to be decided. I have wondered how Colorado, california, etc. are doing it. I've never heard anything about it on the news...

 

[Dudly]

The small time dealers/users have been ticketed for years. Sessions would like to increase the laws surrounding that too. Bigger fines, more jail time.

The folks out in legal states, who risked it all and have built a life, out of their businesses, are the ones I'm worried about. They, and their employees, could lose everything they have, and I doubt they could even file for bankruptcy. The operate, wholly, in cash. They can't even get Brinx trucks to escort them to where they've made a place to hold their cash. Yet they pay the IRS their share and then some each year, since they aren't allowed to take exemptions, tax breaks, that other companies qualify for.

It is hard to believe the state or federal government allows the cash only, no banks, no records to speak of, arrangement. I can see everything people own being confiscated if they decide to crack down on the industry. I can see Sessions in favor of that the way he talks.

 

[Betty P]

It is hard to believe the state or federal government allows the cash only, no banks, no records to speak of, arrangement. I can see everything people own being confiscated if they decide to crack down on the industry. I can see Sessions in favor of that the way he talks.

The states don't like it, if Colorado is an example. The problem is that they can't get the federal government to change the regulation. States seem to be doing what they can to regulate the business side and keep things accountable.

The sad part about confiscation is that they often focus on small fish and consumers. I don't see them cracking down on companies that have invested a lot of money in their operations. In Ohio, for example, many of the big operators have very closer personal and financial connections to Republicans in state and federal government. One grow op recently approved is being run by the former chief aide to Governor Kasich.

Who won Ohio's big medical marijuana grow licenses? 5 things to know

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2017/12/5_things_to_know_about_ohios_b.html

2. Some interesting names got licenses.

Cleveland businessman Andy Rayburn's group Buckeye Relief scored the highest for its proposed Eastlake site. Developers Dominic Visconsi, Jr. and Anthoni Visconsi II and Cleveland philanthropist and Lincoln Electric board member Russ Lincoln and his son Sam are involved in the company, according to tax information cover sheets included in its application.

Ariane Kirkpatrick, who owns construction services company AKA Team, is the president of Harvest Grows, which proposed sites in Cleveland and Lawrence County.

Riviera Creek Holdings, which proposed a site in Youngstown, is backed by Chris Stock and Brian Kessler. Both were involved with Ohio's 2015 failed constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana. Stock, a Cincinnati attorney, was one of the authors of the amendment.

Cresco Labs in Yellow Springs counts several GOP consultants among its owners. Gov. John Kasich's former spokesman Chris Schrimpf and his brother Michael, also a Republican consultant, are partial owners. Troy Judy and Chad Hawley, lobbyists who were aides to former House Speaker William G. Batchelder, also have stakes in the company.

Most of these investors/owners are pretty much "untouchable". They're friends and donors of GOP politicians. There's no way Sessions will bother them.

 

[Betty P]

Has anyone taken a close look recently to see if the Rhoden murders were linked to the Chilly Loco drug gang that was operating out of Chillicothe/Ross County area?

Some of their former stomping grounds were searched by LE shortly after the Rhoden family murders

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/s...-nipgen-property-linked-chilly-loco/93121468/

The Chilly Loco gang were busted back in October 2004 when the Preble County LE stopped a truck that was loaded with 400 lbs of MJ, driven by a guy from Arizona. The FBI was involved in that investigation.

https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/cincinnati/press-releases/2010/ci021710.htm

The investigation into Walls and May began as a result of a traffic stop on October 17, 2004, in Preble County, Ohio. Deputies with the Preble County Sheriff’s Office stopped a white pickup truck and found more than 400 pounds of marijuana. The driver of the vehicle, Paul Burnes of Mesa, Arizona, agreed to cooperate with authorities and go through with the delivery of the marijuana to the Ohio buyers who were waiting with the source of supply at a truck stop at the Jeffersonville mall exit at I-71 and State Route 35. Members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Preble County Sheriff’s Office, BCI and FBI set up surveillance of the area. They saw the driver of the pickup truck meet with two other vehicles, a white van driven by May and a maroon pickup truck, driven by Walls. Burnes was charged with possession with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana and was sentenced to 48 months in prison

The three vehicles left the mall in a caravan, with the pickup truck containing the marijuana in the middle. The vehicles were followed in this caravan for approximately 10 miles through Fayette County, until law enforcement authorities pulled them over. In the van with May was Raymundo Carranza from Arizona. In the pickup truck with Walls was Jose Guadalupe Canez from Mexico.

Following that stop, the four were released from state custody and the case was referred for federal prosecution as part of the Chilly Loco investigation. Over the past five years, investigators developed additional evidence to establish Walls had been trafficking in marijuana in this area since at least 1997. Walls developed sources in both Arizona and San Diego, California and arranged for the shipment of marijuana to him for distribution in Pike County and the surrounding area.

Investigating agents subsequently learned that the 400 pounds seized on October 17, 2004 was to be delivered to Walls. Canez was the supplier from Mexico. Canez had recruited Carranza to travel with him to Ohio to assist in the delivery of the marijuana to Walls. May was recruited by his brother to help with unloading the shipment. The four were on their way to property owned by Walls’ family to offload the shipment when law enforcement agents stopped them.

Sounds like after the Chilly Loco bust, the dealers probably began working with locals to grow MJ locally, instead of bringing it over the border from Mexico. We know the Mexican cartels did so. The local drug kingpins probably did, too.

Was this how CRSr began his grow op? Did someone front him the cash to start a grow op along with others in the area? Did something go awry? Were the Mexican cartels still part of the picture?

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/s...inues-chilly-loco-daniel-vance-walls/93176086

If CRSr was working for this Vance Walls dealer, could there have been some sort of shake up after Walls was sent to prison? Also, the FBI was involved with the local drug task force on this bust, but they haven't been part of many of the busts since then. It was the US Atty who put the Chilly Loco group in prison, but now it's local and state prosecutors only who work on these investigations. What changed?

ETA: The last link above states that Vance Walls was set to be released in Oct 2017. Wonder if he's out yet?