Kasich: Execution-style killings in Ohio ‘tragic beyond comprehension’

Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Friday lamented a “tragic” shooting in his home state that left eight people dead. 

Reports we are receiving from Peebles are tragic beyond comprehension. -John 1/2 https://t.co/ez69UUXVdM

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) April 22, 2016

We’ll continue to monitor this closely and the state will work w/ local law enforcement however we can. -John 2/2 https://t.co/ez69UUXVdM

— John Kasich (@JohnKasich) April 22, 2016

CNN on Friday reported that eight people were found dead in Pike County, a rural community located roughly 80 miles east of Cincinnati.

Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader said that seven of the victims were killed in seemingly “execution-style” shootings.

“I am still actively looking for a shooter,” he said in a press conference.

CNN said that five adults and two children were killed at three homes in Pike County.

An eight person was found dead later Friday at a fourth location, but authorities did not specify that victim’s age or cause of death.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on Friday said that the situation is not being treated as an active shooting and no arrests have been made.

“This is a horrible tragedy that has occurred here in Pike County,” he said, according to WHIO. “We advise Pike County residents not to panic but to be careful.”

DeWine added that all of the victims are believed to be members of the same family, with three small children surviving the bloodshed.

CNN said that the children were 3 years old, 6 months old and 4 days old. The youngest child was found in bed beside her slain mother.

Reader on Friday said that area residents should exercise caution while the shooter remains on the loose.

“[It is] a strong possibility that any individual involved in this is armed and extremely dangerous,” he said, according to CNN’s local affiliate.