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The Latest: Family member of victims: 'A lot to take in'

WAVERLY, Ohio — The Latest on arrests in the slayings of eight family members in Ohio (all times local):

7:30 a.m.

An Ohio man who lost two brothers in a gruesome slaying of eight people says family members are still processing the announcement that arrests were finally made.

Tony Rhoden is the brother of Christopher Rhoden Sr. and Gary Rhoden, who were shot to death in April 2016. He was among family members told by authorities Tuesday that a family of four had been arrested and charged in the killings.

Tony Rhoden tells the Columbus Dispatch the news is “a lot to take in.”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Tuesday that a grand jury indicted four members of the Wagner family on aggravated murder charges. He says they could be sentenced to death if convicted.

DeWine suggested a custody battle between the families played a role in the killings.

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6:25 a.m.

Authorities say prosecuting an Ohio family of four arrested in the gruesome slayings of eight people from another family could take years.

Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk says the investigation into the 2016 killings is one of the most complicated and extensive in Ohio’s history.

Junk also says it’s possible that pre-trial publicity could force the case to be moved to another county.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced Tuesday a grand jury indicted four members of the Wagner family on aggravated murder charges. He says they could be sentenced to death if convicted.

DeWine gave scant detail about why the victims were killed but said the custody of a young child played a role.

The Associated Press