Hello Websleuthers. I have been a frequent guest to the site for months, but have recently registered and this is my first post. This case is particularly intriguing to me because I am a life-long resident in a very rural community in the panhandle woods of North Florida. I totally relate to the way that citizens in rural communities live, communicate, socialize, and also how law enforcement operates. I have made a few observations in the case that I hope are relevant:
When the Pike County Sheriff stated at one of the first press conferences that he had no dealings with the Rhoden family in a criminal nature, I felt as though he was not forthcoming in order to maintain the trust and positive communication lines he had going with the family. Had he stated otherwise, he would possibly have immediately alienated the family and shut-down any hope for cooperation and honest communication.
Families in rural communities can be extremely "clannish." While they may not appear close-knit at first glance...try to cross/challenge one of them and they will immediately come together in allegiance. They can condemn, argue, even fight among themselves, but an outsider to their family cannot do the same with individual members. I hate to use this saying, but I hear it all the time in my community...they are as "thick as thieves." So, if an illegal drug operation or cockfighting was going on, the family members may deny it to the hilt. We have another saying here..."DeNile is not just a river in Egypt."
I think all is quiet right now as far as dissemination of new information on the case out of respect for the family and community members while the funerals and memorial services are being held. After the final services are held on Tuesday for the remaining 6 victims, law enforcement/DA will probably begin to communicate with the press more, or even go forward with arrest(s). Attending the services will also give law enforcement an opportunity to listen and observe very closely. People talk (alot) at funerals and wakes. Who knows....the killer(s) may even be in attendance. You can bet that the Sheriff and several of his staff will be in attendance. It happens in my community with most funerals.