Back in Pike Co. for the sentencing of George Wagner IV. Will include family impact statements so expecting some emotional testimony. Full report tonight at 4 and 5 on
@local12 as well.
Up first, arguing defense motions for new trial. Introduced last week - says they should have had access to Jake's conversations with his lawyers, and that jury should have been told earlier about death penalty being lifted against Jake
Judge Deering denies defense motion. Now letting Wagner know he has to be enrolled in violent offender database because he was convicted of eight counts of murders.
He has right to rebut it and argue he was not principal offender.
Judge notes that it was rebutted, but rules he still needs to enroll in the program if and when he is ever released from prison.
Moving on to the sentencing hearing. Prosecution asking for the maximum possible. Asks to consider the impact on the victims and their families.
Canepa: This is one of the most serious murder cases in Ohio history, given the four months of premeditation and all the victims were killed in one night - without having done anything.
Victims' statements include that of Frankie Rhoden's son who is now 9 years old.
Canepa closes with "he does not deserve mercy”
First statement from Hannah Gilley's aunt read by victims' advocate. Next is Andrea Shoemaker - the mother of Hannah Hazel Gilley - I can't see her anymore because of the actions of you and your evil family.
"I have to answer questions that should never have to be asked" Shoemaker says about the questions being asked by her granddaughter about victim Hanna May Rhoden
My grandson was made an orphan in one night. "I see the pain and mourning for his father in his eyes every night”
"The devil always hunts in the dark ... just like you did George Wagner with your evil family in one night on April 21 and 22nd."
Says her father - Hannah Hazel's grandfather - mourned himself to death over her death. Another victim. "I was brought up to believe in eye for an eye." Says he should have been given the death penalty
"I hope your son learns what a monster you really are and grows up wanting nothing to do with you ... I want you to die" like the family you killed and my baby girl.
I pray that you Judge Deering see the devil that George Wagner really is and sentence him to life in prison.
Next up is Kendra Rhoden - daughter of victim Kenneth Rhoden.
Says she considered suicide in 2017, had a daughter of her own in 2018 and has to answer questions about her absent father and her grandfather.
Asks for max penalty - "it's the closest to justice that we can get." Next up is Chelsea - Frankie's former girlfriend and mother of their son.
Chelsea Robinson reads message from her son now 9 to George "why did you kill my daddy?" I can't learn things like derby cars without him. Chelsea says "I hope you burn in hell. God says we're supposed to forgive, but I just can't right now.”
Next is April Manley - Dana Rhoden's sister in law. Says she is representing Leonard Manley, Dana's father, died of liver cancer before trial began. "I hope George Wagner spends the rest of his life in prison and never see your loved ones again" like we can't see ours.
Victims' advocate Cindy reading statement from Bobby Manley, Dana's sister. Says George "not worth the air he is breathing ... but this day is not about you" and instead about victims.
Statement read from Ruth Rhoden, Gary's mother. His father died before trial as well. Statement points out today is Gary's birthday - he would have been 45.
Next up is Kayla Rhoden - cousin of Frankie, Hanna May, Chris Jr. Asks for maximum sentence.
Now up - Tony Rhoden. Brother of Chris Sr. and Kenneth Rhoden. Telling stories of growing up with his brothers. Had to chase him down and carry Chris to the bus.
Chris was "caring, gracious and kind" life was cut short "by others committing selfish acts.”
Runs through all the family victims with funny anecdotes or kind memories ending each of them with their life "cut short by the selfish acts of others.”
Remembers inviting over the kids of Jake and George for Christmas the month after Wagners were arrested. His mom brought both kids to her lap and gave them hugs and presents "that is what true love is"
Tony now reading statement from Geneva Rhoden, his mother and mother of Chris Sr and Kenneth - George "you are still breathing and my sons are not" "all I ask for is some justice." Concludes victim statements - now a 10 minute recess.
