WEST PORTSMOUTH, OH (WCMH) —  “It was a tragedy.”

Eugene Smith married into the Rhoden family. It is a family he describes as close, loving, and devoted to one another.

“I’ve suffered these tragedies before, but not like this, just not like this,” he explained. “It’s a tragic thing when a family loses this many.”

Smith joined hundreds of friends and relatives at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home, in West Portsmouth.

Calling hours were held there on Monday for Christopher Rhoden, Dana Rhoden, Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, Hanna Rhoden, Kenneth Rhoden and Christopher Rhoden, Jr.

The six members of the Rhoden family were amongst the eight killed in rural Pike County, on April 22.

According to a spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, the investigation into the murders continues. No suspects or a possible motive has been revealed.

Previously, DeWine said several marijuana plants and evidence possibly indicative of cock-fighting were discovered on the property.

In light of those reports, Smith defends his family.

“Yes, there was marijuana,” he said. “How many of those girls that were in there do you think had anything much to do with marijuana?”

Out of caution, deputies from several counties stood guard at the funeral home and surrounding streets.

The funeral for the six Rhodens is scheduled for Tuesday, at the Dry Run Church of Christ, also in West Portsmouth.

It is scheduled to begin at noon.What others are clicking on: