The Latest: Ohio family of 8 shot seek prayers, information

PIKETON, Ohio (AP) - The Latest on the slayings of members of one southern Ohio family (all times local):

1:15 p.m.

Relatives of eight family members shot dead at homes in rural southern Ohio are thanking authorities for their response and asking people to come forward with any information they might have about the killings.

Kimberly Newman, a member of the Ohio Crisis Response Team, delivered a statement from the family to reporters gathered Saturday down the road from some of the crime scenes.

Reading from the statement, Newman said the relatives would like to thank people for their prayers and support as authorities work to determine who targeted the clan on Friday and why.

The statement also requests that people be respectful of their family and their loss. The relatives urge those with information to call 855-BCI-OHIO.

Investigators say none of the deaths appeared self-inflicted. No arrests have been made.

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12:30 p.m.

Ohio's attorney general says investigators and law enforcement worked through the night to gather information and execute search warrants as officials seek to determine who shot eight family members in the head in rural southern Ohio.

In a written statement on Saturday, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said the investigation into the killings of the Rhoden family is still in its early stages. They said evidence continues to be processed and analyzed from the four properties near Piketon where the family members were found dead Friday.

Investigators say none of the deaths appeared self-inflicted, so they believe at least one assailant remained at large. No arrests have been made.

DeWine said he updated Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) on the investigation on Saturday morning.

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11:35 a.m.

A pastor says relatives and friends of eight family members found slain in rural southern Ohio are "not doing well at all" as law enforcement scrambles to determine who targeted the clan and why.

Union Hill Church is up the road from some of the four properties near Piketon where members of the Rhoden family were found dead Friday.

Pastor Phil Fulton describes the family as close-knit and hardworking.

He says they were previously part of his congregation, though not recently.

Fulton says his church has been a haven for more than 100 grieving family members and friends and will remain open to them as needed.

Investigators say none of the deaths appeared self-inflicted, so they believed at least one assailant remained at large. No arrests have been made.

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1:22 a.m.

Authorities in rural southern Ohio are urging residents to be cautious as the search continues for whoever fatally shot eight members of a family at four different properties.

The victims found Friday include seven adults and a 16-year-old boy. They were found in homes near Piketon, about 60 miles south of Columbus.

Authorities say all were shot in the head and that it appeared some were killed as they slept, including a mother in bed with her 4-day-old baby nearby. The infant and two other small children were not harmed.

Authorities say the victims are members of one family. Investigators say none of the deaths appeared self-inflicted, so they believe at least one assailant is at large.

Law enforcement officials say whoever is responsible should be considered armed and dangerous.