First trial connected to Rhoden family slayings delayed

Published 8:41 am Tuesday, November 19, 2019

WAVERLY (AP) — A judge has delayed what was supposed to be the first trial connected to the investigation into the 2016 slayings of eight family members in Ohio.

Prosecutors said Monday that both sides agreed to postpone the trial for Rita Newcomb just as jury selection was to begin. Officials didn’t give a reason for the delay.

Newcomb isn’t charged with any of the Rhoden family killings. She is accused of forgery, obstructing justice and perjury charges related to the case.

Email newsletter signup

The 66-year-old is the mother of one of the four suspects in the killings. Newcomb along with those charged in the killings has pleaded not guilty.

Authorities have said after the arrests were announced a year ago that a custody dispute between two families may have been the motive.