PIKE CO., Ohio (WCMH)–The murders of eight family members are leaving their surviving relatives with a lot of questions.

“Well, it’s hard to cope with,” said Leonard Manley, near the scene of the Pike County massacre.

Manley’s daughter, Dana Rhoden, was one of those killed.

As investigators work to determine a motive and suspect information, Manley said he believes the person or people responsible knew who they were targeting.

“I think they’re a bunch of scumbags,” he said. “Whoever done this knows the family, because there were two dogs there that would eat you up.”

Investigators have said they discovered a sophisticated marijuana grow facility on the Rhoden property. Additionally, they said they found evidence which may be consistent with a possible cock-fighting operation.

When specifically asked if the murders have ties to the Mexican drug cartel, attorney general spokesman Dan Tierney said, “We are considering all possible leads.”

Manley said he refused to speculate on his family’s involvement with any illegal acts.

“I ain’t going to say, because it’s going to interfere with them [investigators] out there,” he explained.

On Sunday, Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader encouraged members of the Rhoden family to arm themselves, if they felt unsafe.

Manley indicated he is heeding that advice.

“I’m going to load my gun and if someone kicks on my door, he better say ‘sheriff, deputy’ or something,” he said. “He ain’t going to get a second chance.”What others are clicking on: