It was early in the investigation, only 3 months in, and LE was trying to figure out how credible the tips were that were coming in.
Mike DeWine said:
"...We have received over 100 tips, we have conducted over 50 to 60 interviews …"
" ...Releasing the autopsy reports would damage our ability to solve this case. Our ability to judge the veracity of information coming in, our ability to judge the credibility of information coming in, all goes away once that is public.”
This sounds like they wanted to see if they might be told something only the killer, or those informed by the killer, would know. Details released to the public would mean everybody knows.
Coroner Dr. David Kessler wrote: "The autopsy reports are confidential law enforcement investigatory records and their release might impede the criminal investigation or the families’ grieving process.”
Posted July 26, 2016
Authorities refuse to release Rhoden autopsies
Posted Jul 26, 2016
Coroner, attorney general refuse to release final autopsies in Pike County killings