OH - Pike Co - 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue - 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested #75

[pittsburghgirl]

All good assessments! Thanks! I also think some of Billy's jealousy was more envy of Chris being successful in his "business ventures". Maybe he thought that by getting rid of Chris, he could steal his money and take over his business. Killing Chris was probably seen as removing some formidable competition. Without Chris, the big guys would have to work with Billy.

Whatever money Chris made was on top of hard work, not just his but Frankie’s and Dana’s. So the grow money could provide a home for Dana, and eventually a lawyer for Hanna.

Well he didn't even get a mention today. Not even a happy birthday. lol

He was mentioned a great deal, indirectly, through the ballistics testimony.

 

[pittsburghgirl]

He was there for years. Then Montgomery, then Scioto for his trial. Even had a crazy rumor of him escaping!

View attachment 371384
February 8, 2021

Did George Wagner break out of jail?

View attachment 371385

Bedsheets are seen hanging from the window

The Ross County Sheriff confirmed to news media on Monday that George Wagner, IV, (the son) was not one of four inmates to break through a wall at a county jail this weekend, despite social media rumors over the weekend.

When I read this, I missed the "not" part of the sentence. Yikes...

 

[pittsburghgirl]

Here is the 2017 Peterson Rd. real estate listing photos.

260 Peterson Rd, Peebles, OH 45660 | 1 photo | MLS #1512340 - Movoto

Off-market: Single Family home, $165,000, 4 Bd, 1 Ba, 1,304 Sqft, $127/Sqft, at 260 Peterson Rd, Peebles, OH 45660

www.movoto.com

I never say OMG but OMG! How many deer heads do you need in one room? I can't even...

 

[scapa]

I never say OMG but OMG! How many deer heads do you need in one room? I can't even...

Indeed.

Right out of the Barry Morphew Big Book of Interiors.

I'm following this one only intermittently, but this really does seem like a Wagner 4 trial with only one Wagner in the dock. I think it's necessary, and almost certainly something that the affected families and communities have long waited for and need very badly, but it does make for a harder and sometimes more technical slog.

But the pace and levels of detail also give the impression of a very big, very strong net tightening inexorably round the birthday boy and his skewed family. You can almost glimpse that infamous kitchen table caught in the middle. And that should be some solace.

 

[Puzzles8]

I never say OMG but OMG! How many deer heads do you need in one room? I can't even...

A real estate photo that has been removed was a photo of the one bathroom.. IIRC the bathroom was small but still included a mounted animal (deer?) head.

Really, in a small bathroom?

JMO

 

[justtrish]

Wasn't that burned electronic thing a dvr? It looked like one I had years ago. Maybe from Chris Rhodens?

Oh now that is something interesting! We haven't heard about any burnt up electronic until today right? If is from Chris Sr house, then that would be something. If it belongs to his camera system?

 

[Jbootneil]

Jakes proffer said that George tried to talk them out of it and refused to go with them but changed his mind and went at the last minute to protect Jake from Billy. Guess we will hear more when we get to hear Jakes testimony.

JMO

If that’s true, I’d almost want to let little George walk

 

[RAISINISBACK]

Well Billy's version is they are best friends. I'd love to know what Chris's version was. We won't know because he's gone and can't speak. So are all those close to him. Maybe they weren't as close as Billy was suggesting. I mean if Billy wasn't involved in all the drugs Chris was involved in, he wasn't involved in the *advertiser censored* fighting, he wasn't involved in the grows, he was just around to tell Chris he didn't need to do all that stuff?? I am not buying it.

What if Chris Sr didn't want Billy involved? His mouth, his attitude, all of it don't seem much like someone I'd want to do secret business with.

What if Billy wanted in, but Chris always was leery of him being involved in that stuff because of his mouth?

Sounds like Billy was allowed to do the legit work for Chris like picking up cars, but maybe Chris excluded him from the other operations and Billy was mad about that? He sets up a meeting to try to present this offer he can't refuse then and instead it was to murder him.

There is a picture forming in my mind about Billy. I do not believe that Chris was a close friend of Billy's.

Have you ever seen American Graffiti? Whenever the younger kids got in trouble or afraid of someone they would ask "Do you know John Milner? He's a friend of mine." A picture is beginning to emerge that Chris Sr was Billy's John Milner.

Chris was the tough guy nobody messed with that Billy ran to when he got into trouble over his drug addiction. A little rich boy with a big mouth and a big habit. I say little even though in size he was huge. And he was a coward who was afraid of all the tough guys who grew up hard, but at the same time admired them. And I think Chris did take up for him sometimes.

Chris Sr and Kenny only had caffeine in their systems which leads me to believe neither used drugs. I think Chris was the head of the whole operation, Kenny his right hand man, and Billy was just an errand boy. Mule, gofer whatever. I also think Chris and Kenny laughed at Billy, teased him or at least dismissed him as just an off the wall drug addict at times. Billy was just a hanger on.

Picture not quite complete yet, but definitely believe Billy was very jealous of Chris SR. FW was supplying Billy with opioids.

I think that 20 K Billy kept talking about figures in. Billy's friend Jeff said Billy owed Chris 40K.

AC said in opening that Billy was the first one who mentioned killing Hannah but Jake said no, no way at first. George outright refused also and tried to talk them out of it. Angie asked the boys if they were sure they wanted to do this, leading me to believe it was Billy's idea and the rest really didn't want to go along with it at first.

Will have to go back and listen to opening statement again and trudge through all those umms but I think AC said that Angie told her that after the murders George was having trouble sleeping and Jake was having nightmares and Billy should never have dragged the boys in on it. She said her and Billy should have did it by themselves.

I am going to listen to that opening again early in the morning when I feel better.

JMO

 

[Puzzles8]

Oh now that is something interesting! We haven't heard about any burnt up electronic until today right? If is from Chris Sr house, then that would be something. If it belongs to his camera system?

In Discovery, there is a list of items found in a burn pit at the 845 Bethel Hill property. IIRC, a burnt VCR tape was one of the things discovered.

IMO, the W4/3 went to the Bethel hill property after the murders to destroy and burn evidence. They had previously resided at that property.

Interesting enough, Tabitha Claytor (G4's ex-wife) has testified that the W4 deliberately burned down the Bethel Hill property to gain it's insurance proceeds in 2014. The insurance cash payout gave them the means to purchase the Peterson Rd. farm. It appears Peterson was purchased for cash, as no mortgage (lien) was officially filed at the time of the purchase.

JMO

 

[RAISINISBACK]

Not Rais but he is being housed at Scioto Co. jail.

I just saw where there was an inmate suicide at Ross Co. and someone commented A Wagner? but none of the Wagner's are at Ross Co.

Rais
BBM
Haha. It's Raize. Thank you for answering since I don't have a clue where he is being kept. Hugs!!!!

 

[justtrish]

There is a picture forming in my mind about Billy. I do not believe that Chris was a close friend of Billy's.

Have you ever seen American Graffiti? Whenever the younger kids got in trouble or afraid of someone they would ask "Do you know John Milner? He's a friend of mine." A picture is beginning to emerge that Chris Sr was Billy's John Milner.

Chris was the tough guy nobody messed with that Billy ran to when he got into trouble over his drug addiction. A little rich boy with a big mouth and a big habit. I say little even though in size he was huge. And he was a coward who was afraid of all the tough guys who grew up hard, but at the same time admired them. And I think Chris did take up for him sometimes.

Chris Sr and Kenny only had caffeine in their systems which leads me to believe neither used drugs. I think Chris was the head of the whole operation, Kenny his right hand man, and Billy was just an errand boy. Mule, gofer whatever. I also think Chris and Kenny laughed at Billy, teased him or at least dismissed him as just an off the wall drug addict at times. Billy was just a hanger on.

Picture not quite complete yet, but definitely believe Billy was very jealous of Chris SR. FW was supplying Billy with opioids.

I think that 20 K Billy kept talking about figures in. Billy's friend Jeff said Billy owed Chris 40K.

AC said in opening that Billy was the first one who mentioned killing Hannah but Jake said no, no way at first. George outright refused also and tried to talk them out of it. Angie asked the boys if they were sure they wanted to do this, leading me to believe it was Billy's idea and the rest really didn't want to go along with it at first.

Will have to go back and listen to opening statement again and trudge through all those umms but I think AC said that Angie told her that after the murders George was having trouble sleeping and Jake was having nightmares and Billy should never have dragged the boys in on it. She said her and Billy should have did it by themselves.

I am going to listen to that opening again early in the morning when I feel better.

JMO

Somewhere in here there is a transcript of the openings. I find it a bit easier to read it so I can fast forward ahead to read the parts I want to see and not have to listen to it all. LOL

Found it PikeCountyMassacre_T01_D001_P1

 

[RAISINISBACK]

Somewhere in here there is a transcript of the openings. I find it a bit easier to read it so I can fast forward ahead to read the parts I want to see and not have to listen to it all. LOL

If you know where it is would you link it for me. That would be so much easier for me also. TIA.

 

[abeaman02]

I had to go to a funeral earlier today for a good friend - so I will grab all the tweets in the morning - just too tired right now to do them - I hope you all don't mind...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Please relax and take time for yourself.

 

[iamthewalrus]

Oh now that is something interesting! We haven't heard about any burnt up electronic until today right? If is from Chris Sr house, then that would be something. If it belongs to his camera system?

Someone posted it was a VCR. Guess I jumped the gun. I was thinking part of camera system.

 

[pittsburghgirl]

I'm having a hard time thinking that Jake said "no way" to killing Hanna and then went out and did that massive overkill when he shot not just Hanna but 5 people and helped in the murder of 3 others. That doesn't add up. At all. I don't care what the proffer says. But if JW, Billy and George4 end up with LWOP, his lies won't matter.

 

[Niner]

Thank you all for the well wishes! It was a very draining day yesterday.

Evan did not have too much from yesterday - so I switched over to James' tweets.


For Thursday, Oct. 6th - Bryan White on stand

Evan Millward
@EvanMillward
·
12h
PIKE COUNTY TRIAL: White has been going through some evidence - mainly bullets and casings - found.

These 7 .22 hornets were found on the Wagner property - and I believe these match those found at the crime scenes.



link: https://twitter.com/evanmillward

That is all Evan had for yesterday.


James Pilcher
@jamespilcher
My recap of Wednesday's testimony as we get set for another day of the George Wagner IV murder trial in Pike Co. First up will be former BCI agent Bryan White returning to the stand

Judge moving alternate jurors closer to the box to fill in seats and making sure they don't get on camera. There's been a few times a leg or the back of their heads have been shown on a livestream.

New thread for part 2 of morning session from Wagner murder trial in Pike County. Former BCI agent Bryan White on stand talking about evidence gathered in second more intense search of Wagner house in May 2017.



He helped with search of Wagners house on Peterson Road in May 2017

Said it was a small crew that time 5-6 - didn't want to make a big spectacle.

Here’s what the house looks like @Local12
also lot of pictures of the barn etc



some of you asked WHERE the receipt was found

There was a plastic tote also seen next to the barn. That might be the container that contained the receipt for the shoes from Walmart

Inside of the barn on the property was partially finished with some shelves and plywood - and that tote did not contain the receipt.

Again this is Bryan White with BCI crime scene agent in April 2016. Processed Crime Scene 3 - Dana's house. Also did follow up on Scene 2 - Frankie Rhoden and Hannah Gilley's house. He took pictures during first search warrant.

Here are pictures of inside of barn and tote



He never went inside the house. Also responsible for collecting any evidence taken from the scene.

In the process of introducing all the live ammo and shell casings found at the Peterson Rd. house of the Wagners. Defense objects again - asking how does this go toward the homicide?

Objection overruled.

Here are some of the casings



Also found some paperwork in the house and taken for evidence.

This was from a trash pull - one was a printout of Facebook message conversation between Tabby Breech (George's ex) and David Jenkins - another between Hanna Rhoden and Angela Wagner

Again, this was in May 2017 - more than a year after the Rhodens including Hanna were killed. Not saying what the content of those printouts were yet.

Pictures of the live .22 rounds found in a cabinet



Now presenting the ammo and shell evidence collected at the scene - had been sent to BCI firearms lab.



Some of these were .22 caliber rim fire Remington casings - the same kind found at the scenes of the killings

Based on those comparisons at the lab, the BCI got another search warrant very quickly for Peterson Rd. Another search took place 2 days later on May 12.

White said shell casings collected had been on the ground for awhile.

The second search warrant much different than the first. Lots more manpower, several BCI agents, and no way to keep it quiet.

This was going to be "an exhaustive search" with tools etc. All based on the initial comparisons of the shells with those found at scene. Everything on outside going to be searched extensively - including grid/line search.

Found multiple caliber of shell casings on the scene - only put the ones that matched the ones from the murders to the BCI lab.

The multiple caliber ones part was stricken from the record.

One of the .22 hornet shell casings found. Led to another objection from defense and another bench conference



Objection overruled - defense continues to object to the casings from the .22 hornet.


link: link: https://twitter.com/jamespilcher


Too many picture - continued...

 

[Niner]

Part 2


James Pilcher
@jamespilcher
·
12h
Now introducing a 9 mm casings - another objection from defense. But before sidebar, prosecutor says they will show the initial plan was to bring a 9 mm on the night of the killing. Yet another long sidebar.

Objection is overruled. Now going on 15 minute break.

One of the Remington casings found at Wagners



These are some - they also found .22 long rifle rim fire Remington - same as found at crime scenes



White says some of the shell casings sent to lab and some not. Prosecutor was about to start asking about other evidence at the scene but now we're breaking for lunch.

Prosecutor about to ask about shell casings not submitted to lab. Objection and another bench conference.

Going back to evidence from the first search on May 10, 2017. Paperwork collected from trash. Two more documents pulled out.

Receipts for medication for Angela Wagner. Another one for an Apple iPhone 6. Dated April 2017

Now back to the shell casings found on the ground during the second search 2 days later.

These are some - they also found .22 long rifle rim fire Remington - same as found at crime scenes.



A shot of where they found these and how many there were



Some of them are .22 hornets, not used in shootings. Defense objects every time and is immediately overruled.

Here’s one of the .22 casing Remington found - also introduced 9 mm Luger - defense objects to that but overruled



BCI brought metal detectors, rakes and shovels etc. to the scene. Remember yesterday that BCI agent Scheiderer said he saw hundreds if not thousands of shell casings at Peterson Rd.

Prosecutor asks about a specific shell casing found at the scene and whether it was .40 caliber (the same size used for some of the killings). White answers yes.

Prosecutor about to ask about shell casings not submitted to lab. Objection and another bench conference.

White says some of the shell casings sent to lab and some not. Prosecutor was about to start asking about other evidence at the scene but now we're breaking for lunch.

Good afternoon - new thread for the resumption of testimony in the George Wagner IV murder trial in Pike County. Bryan White, a BCI agent at the time, back on the stand talking about evidence collected during search of Wagner house in May 2017.

The burn ring found by house



Found burnt electronic equipment in ring



The actual evidence found in fire pit

White says it was later identified but doesn't say what it is (previous reports have it as a DVR connected to security cameras that was burned)

Also found old well and cistern covered up inside the barn

Didn't have proper equipment to send anyone down inside the cistern at the time

Later a diveteam did go down inside the well.

White says he left BCI in May 2018. And prosecution done with direct testimony. Now up for cross-examination - led by defense lawyer John Parker.

White says he does not know what electronic device was or where it came from other than burn pit.

On redirect, White says the first search was done in secret. On second search, media was present and it became public.



link: link: https://twitter.com/jamespilcher

 

[Niner]

James Pilcher
@jamespilcher
·
13h
Says the .22 long rifle casing found at the Wagners was weathered but mixed in with others. This was during the first search - and the connection to crime scene made by firearms expert Matt White, retaking the stand now

Restating a .40 caliber 2nd generation Glock was one of the murder weapons. Now onto .30 caliber - says it was could have been fired by SKS

Presenting a list of guns from a download - which ones could be used in murders. Yesterday they introduced the list from Jake's phone. Prosecutors ask whose name was next to SKS ... but then withdrew the question before White could answer.

Now onto the shell casings found at Peterson Road - the Wagners' house.

Matt White says microscopic analysis between .22 casings found at crime scene showed casings at Wagner house were fired by same gun. @local12
That led to another search warrant. More .22 casings found then also matched.

On cross, Parker only asks "You can't tell who fired that weapon?" White answers no - and we're done with him and for the day as another witness had to leave.

After jury leaves, prosecutors saying they did not enter 80 some odd cartridges into evidence and that the .22 hornets and other casings will come into play later. That was on the record

link: link: https://twitter.com/jamespilcher



This is the only post for this witness - Fortner - so don't have anything else on him.


James Pilcher
@jamespilcher
·
13h
Replying to
@jamespilcher
and
@Local12
After White is finished, the prosecution will recall BCI Special Agent Todd Fortner - he previously testified about processing Scene 2 where Frankie Rhoden and Hannah Gilley were killed.

link: https://twitter.com/jamespilcher


His tweets were kind of confusing this morning...

 

[Niner]

Friday, October 7th:
*Trial continues (Day 19) (@ 9am ET) - OH - Pike County 8 people dead: Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (40), his ex-wife, Dana Manley Rhoden (37), their three children, Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden (20), Christopher Jr. (16), Hanna Mae (19); Frankie's fiancée, Hannah Hazel Gilley (20), Christopher Rhoden Sr.'s brother, Kenneth Rhoden (44), & a cousin, Gary Rhoden (37). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos.) & a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – for *George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 31) (Jakes’ bro) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/28/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count of 1st degree conspiracy, 4 counts of 1st degree aggravated burglary, 1 count of 5th degree unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts of 3rd degree evidence tampering, 1 count of 5th degree forgery, 1 count of 5th degree unauthorized use of computer or telecommunications, 1 count of 4th degree interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count of 5th degree obstructing justice, & 1 count of 1st degree engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Plead not guilty. Held without bond. DA will seek the DP. Per Jake’s plea agreement, DP is off the table if his testimony is truthful.
Trial began on 8/29/22 with final jury selection & the jury was seated on 8/30/22. 12 Jurors & 6 alternates. Jury: (9 women & 3 men) & 6 alternates: (5 women & 1 man). 9/30/22: Ill juror replaced with alternate. 12 jurors & 5 alternates. Jury: (9 women & 3 men) & 5 alternates (4 women & 1 man).
Trial began with opening statements began on Monday, 9/12/22. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 9/6/22 & Trial Day 1-17 (9/12 to 10/5/22), no hearing on 9/29/22 post #265 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=14
10/6/22 Thursday, Trial Day 18: State witness: State witness: BCI Agent Brian White who processed Dana & Frankie's.
for more info see posts #289, 294 & 295 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=15
for more info see post #301 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=16
for more info see post #321 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=17
for more info see posts #351 to 353 & 358 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=18
for more info see posts #360 & 363 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=19
for more info see posts #456 & 457 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=23
State witness: BCI firearms expert Matt White. BCI Special Agent Todd Fortner (?).
for more info see posts #458 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-75.638948/page=23
Trial continues on 10/7/22

 

[twall]

Thanks so much @Niner! Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, my condolences to you.

Court was adjourned early yesterday due to the next witness not being available at the time they were ready for him to testify which I assume is Todd Fortner by James Pilchers tweets. HTH!