There were embraces, tears and fond memories Friday night in Piketon at a candlelight vigil for eight members of the Rhoden family who were killed a little more than a week ago.
“I’ll tell you what. They was good people. I mean, they went out and helped people. Go into the community and ask anyone,” says Leonard Manley.
Manley lost his daughter Dana and three of her children in the killings that occurred sometime on April 22nd. Officials have described the killings as ‘a massacre.’ Through tears, Manley said his daughter’s death leaves an enormous void.
“When they took my daughter away from me, they took my world,” Manley said.
Dozens of sheriffs’ deputies ringed the event attended by hundreds of residents. Many wore orange t-shirts bearing pictures of Rhoden family members. Other t-shirts simply called for justice for the Rhoden family.
Manley says he’s not out for revenge, even though he lost a daughter and three grandchildren. Contemplating the loss of all eight, he says, is painful.
“When someone takes eight away from you at one time, it hurts,” Manley said.