3 Pike County murder investigation updates
1. Rita Newcomb, the second of two women arrested on suspicion of helping cover up the 2016 Pike County massacre, posted bond and was released from jail, according to court records and a jail roster.
The attorney for Newcomb has pleaded for the public to remember she should be presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
2. Documents obtained by the Dayton Daily News revealed new details about the custody battle that prosecutors say was a key motivator for the killings. The documents provided new details on relationship between the families, which investigators had previously revealed little about.
3. The prosecution costs for the eight-victim murder could exceed $1 million, given each of the four Wagner family members charged with capital murder in the 2016 Rhoden family massacre could be individually assigned a team of public defenders.
Ohios next attorney general Dave Yost supports a proposal to create a way for the state government to pay 100 percent of the prosecution, defense and automatic appeal costs in capital cases involving multiple victims and defendants.
The proposal from state Sen. Bob Peterson, R-Washington Court House, and state Rep. Shane Wilkin, R-Lynchburg, would likely move through the legislature next year, though the bill has not been drafted.
Search continues for fugitive ex-coach
Fugitive ex-youth soccer coach Justin K. Smith, spotted earlier this month using Uber to get around and eating at popular restaurants in Tennessee, could be anywhere by now, according to a Montgomery County Sheriff's detective. He could even try to cross the U.S. border.
Because Smith is using aliases, detective Isaiah Kellar stressed that people call police if they see anyone matching Smith’s appearance.
Growing RV retailer opens first local supercenter
One of the most popular business stories of November was reported this week when Camping World opened its latest store under the Gander RV brand in Huber Heights. Besides creating about 60 jobs, the store means more options for local RV lovers.
Legendary Dayton pizza restaurant closing for good
El Greco's Pizza Villa, a Dayton classic known for its square-cut pizza, tacos and year-round Christmas lights will be closing its doors. An exact date has not been set for when the store will shut down after more than 50 years as a fixture along Salem Avenue.
Gov. John Kasich threatens vetoes on abortion and gun bills
As John Kasich wraps up his eight year run as governor, he's planning to go out of office fighting with his fellow Ohio Republicans over two controversial bills.
This week, Kasich told reporters at the Ohio Statehouse that his opposition to the “heartbeat” abortion ban bill and the “stand your ground” gun legislation hasn’t changed. Two years ago, Kasich vetoed the heartbeat bill and more recently he has promised to veto the gun bill if it were to reach his desk.
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