OH - Pike County: 8 People From One Family Dead As Police Hunt For Killer(s) #36 *Arrests*

[rsd1200]

Hi everyone, this is my first ever post! I joined websleuths because of this case. It has always haunted me. I live a couple hours from Pike County in a very similar rural area of Ohio. The murders happened on our 10th wedding anniversary and we happened to be celebrating with a long weekend away about an hour away from Pike County. I've followed just about every detail I could get my hands on the last 2.5 years. What an emotional rollercoaster of a case this has been! I don't really know where to begin as far as commenting on anything specific, there's just too much. My husband is an avid outdoors man and very well versed in firearms so we've had quite a few conversations about the silencer when the information was released. My FIL is a Concealed Carry Instructor in our County as well. I didn't realize how easy it is to make one at home until speaking to both of them about it. I've enjoyed reading all of your theories so much. What a bright group of minds!

Welcome! A rollercoaster is a good description! Being close, have you found that others in your location have kept up with the case like ya'll have? I ask, because I thought they would around me, but was surprised that I'm one of a very, very, very few. Well, basically it's me, my better half, who has no other choice b/c of me, and a dozen or so friends and family who I've tossed theories off of relentlessly.

 

[rsd1200]

I thought of small camera or listening device. Camera would be like riding roller coaster and easy to see or find. I didn't see a fence so I assume CR1 just let his dogs out to run. Animals have patterns. If CR1 let animals out around same time everynight they would usually run same route. Would be invaluable to know where they went, how long etc.

BBM
Very true! And, iirc, he had an underground fence for them. He also had a motion light. Could have given them the perimeters they needed for the fencing, and at what points the light would come one when the dogs crossed, too. This case will be made into a movie. It's my hope that they do it well.

 

[IQuestion]

JMO but I heard or saw nothing today to prove guilt or innocence, I still have to wait for evidence. I do feel extremely sorry for families of Rhodens, Gilley, and Manleys. I can’t imagine their pain.

True, it was just a reading of the charges....EXCEPT...if one does the math on his age, HMR's age and the age of the toddler. It is pretty hard to overlook the charges of sex with a minor. And, I don't think any in vitro fertilization clinic impregnated a 15 year old. Ergo: "jurors further find and specify that the said Edward Jacob Wagner committed the said aggravated murder for the purpose of escaping detention, apprehension, trial or punishment for another offense committed by said Edward Jakob Wagner as specified in section" etc, etc, etc.
Hmmm, "for another offense committed by said Edward Jacob Wagner."

 

[Betty P]

Ok lets guess.
Hair- That man is using jail hand soap to wash hair.
Circles under eyes little sleep.
The look in eyes. He is gobsmacked to be here.

I was thinking the same about the hand soap. No, he doesn't look like he's getting much sleep. Franklin County jail is supposedly a pretty bad place, too.

 

[Betty P]

Hi everyone, this is my first ever post! I joined websleuths because of this case. It has always haunted me. I live a couple hours from Pike County in a very similar rural area of Ohio. The murders happened on our 10th wedding anniversary and we happened to be celebrating with a long weekend away about an hour away from Pike County. I've followed just about every detail I could get my hands on the last 2.5 years. What an emotional rollercoaster of a case this has been! I don't really know where to begin as far as commenting on anything specific, there's just too much. My husband is an avid outdoors man and very well versed in firearms so we've had quite a few conversations about the silencer when the information was released. My FIL is a Concealed Carry Instructor in our County as well. I didn't realize how easy it is to make one at home until speaking to both of them about it. I've enjoyed reading all of your theories so much. What a bright group of minds!

Welcome, mlwil!

 

[Jonas_Klein]

True, it was just a reading of the charges....EXCEPT...if one does the math on his age, HMR's age and the age of the toddler. It is pretty hard to overlook the charges of sex with a minor. And, I don't think any in vitro fertilization clinic impregnated a 15 year old. Ergo: "jurors further find and specify that the said Edward Jacob Wagner committed the said aggravated murder for the purpose of escaping detention, apprehension, trial or punishment for another offense committed by said Edward Jakob Wagner as specified in section" etc, etc, etc.
Hmmm, "for another offense committed by said Edward Jacob Wagner."

You could be right. I could imagine HMR putting forward her young age and questionable consent in a custody dispute. We have no proof of it, but it's possible.

But I do think this count of the indictements is the same for all 4. It could be read that the defendant committed murder on witnesses (DR, CR2) to avoid prosecution for the murder of another target (HMR). This is how I read it.

 

[IQuestion]

This has probably been discussed if so sorry but I missed it. In one of Jakes interviews he stated he went to the hospital to see the new baby. Was that ever proven to have happened or did he make that up?

I DON'T KNOW... could be true, could be made up to make himself look like an "interested new papa"... but I remembered this.

"And there is nothing Wagner would like more, he said, fondly recalling how he pulled the tiny sock off her itty, bitty foot shortly after she was born on April 17. He was checking for a hammer index toe: A Wagner family trait.
He's almost sure, he said, that he saw that bend. It's the hope he holds onto these days."
BTW, WHO WOULD KNOW....ALL THE POSSIBLE WITNESSES TO THAT POSSIBLE OCCURENCE WERE KILLED, HUH?
Pike County: 'That's all we've got left. Just those kids.'
BUT, oh yeah a big BUT/BUTT (I'm homophonous ya' know) I wouldn't put it past him to try and
get some saliva or hair from that new born baby if he did go to the hospital or visited shortly after in order to "keep up appearances." Did you know you can DNA matching results in as little as 24 hours? "see your results the day after the lab has all the samples and paperwork."
https://dnacenter.com › Paternity Test

 

[LadyL]

I've asked that question myself. The only people who would know, are probably deceased, unless hospital staff remember, or there are pics of him, and S, at the hospital. He said he took her there to see baby K. I also want someone to come forward and say; Yes, I saw him with the S, the week prior to the murders.

bbm

YOU saw him
I didnèt realize you were local

 

[rsd1200]

bbm

YOU saw him
I didnèt realize you were local

I'm not. I want someone who is local, to be able to testify to, for example;that they saw him at the hospital that day, with S, or a neighbor to say, Oh, yes, I saw her playing in their yard that week.

Which of the stories, that he told, was true? He picked her up at at DR's, at 10:30 p.m. on the 21st, or, he had planned to drop her off at DR's, the morning of the 22nd.

 

[Hapworth]

Delete

 

[CIA Team Member]

Hanna held all the cards regarding custody of SW. moo
After all, Jake had engaged in improper sexual contact with a minor.
She could’ve tied him up with criminal charges and caused issues with the family court if she wanted to. moo

She couldn’t be bullied or intimidated into signing over custody because she had the upper hand. moo

I thought it quite interesting they charged JW with that. First thing that came to my mind was "Wonder if they're adding that specific charge as an "in case all else fails" a jury could/would at least find him guilty of this charge." Don't know if laws there don't require someone to file those charges and LE can bring them.

 

[CIA Team Member]

BBM
Young people? In that age range? Yes, many post their whole social life on there. I'm shocked at what some adults post publicly.

&

Me too.

And those are just the posts from sites we know about; so many "underground" sites we're not even aware of.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, Nov. 28th:
*Arraignment Hearing (@ 10am 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 (38). Hanna Rhoden's baby girl (5 days old), another baby (6 mos) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) – in four county jails -- Pickaway, Franklin, Ross, and Delaware counties.
*Edward Jacob "Jake" Wagner (26) (former boyfriend of Hanna) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/27/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count conspiracy, 4 counts aggravated burglary, 1 count unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts evidence tampering, 1 count forgery, 1 count unauthorized use of property, 1 count interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count obstructing justice, 1 count engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity & unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. (He’s accused of engaging in sexual contact with Hanna Rhoden when she was 15 & he was 20). Plead not guilty. No bond. Franklin County
Had Arraignment hearing on 11/27.
11/27/18 Update: Plead not guilty to all 23 charges. No bond per Judge. Defense asks to waive Speedy trial, granted by Judge. Next pretrial hearings on 12/20 & 1/24/19.
Only for *George Washington "Billy" Wagner III (47), (Jakes’ father) 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 conspiracy, 4 counts aggravated burglary, 1 count unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts evidence tampering, 1 count forgery, 1 count unauthorized use of property, 1 count interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count obstructing justice, 1 count engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Was arrested in Lexington, Ky., remains in the Lexington Fayette County Jail as a “fugitive from another state” according to jail records. An extradition hearing will be scheduled for him.
Has Arraignment hearing on 11/28.
*Angela Jo Wagner (48) (Jakes’ mother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18) & charged (11/15/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count conspiracy, 4 counts
aggravated burglary, 1 count unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts evidence tampering, 1 count forgery, 1 count unauthorized use of property, 1 count interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count obstructing justice, 1 count engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Delaware County
Has Arraignment hearing on 11/29.
*George Washington Wagner IV (27) (Jakes’ bro) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18) & charged (11/15/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, (plus gun specifications on each), 1 count conspiracy, 4 counts aggravated burglary, 1 count unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance, 3 counts evidence tampering, 1 count forgery, 1 count unauthorized use of property, 1 count interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, 1 count obstructing justice, 1 count engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity. Ross County
Has Arraignment hearing on 12/4.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76) (Paternal grandmother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged & arraigned (11/15/18) with 1 count of perjury & 1 count of obstruction of justice. Plead not guilty. $100K Surety bond.
Had Arraignment hearing on 11/15/18: Wagner was released from the Pike County Jail Thursday (11/15/18) night on a $100,000 surety bond. To be fingerprinted at Pike Co Sheriff's office. To have no contact with any members of victims' family. Will be under electronically monitored house arrest. Should not leave her premises except for consulting with her lawyer, medical appointments, however she must document in advance any reason to leave which must be approved. Must notify pre-trial services officer when she leaves. May leave for court hearing. Not to use alcohol or controlled substances, she may take prescriptions prescribed by licensed physician.
*Rita Jo Newcomb (65) (Maternal grandmother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged & arraigned (11/15/18) with 3 counts forgery, 1 count obstructing justice & 1 count perjury. Plead not guilty. $50K Surety bond.
DA alleges Newcomb lied to the Grand Jury & forged custody papers before the murders. To place her under electronic monitor/house arrest. RN gives her mother's address. Court sets monetary bond at $50,000, will permit cash surety or 10% deposit. Will be under electronically monitored house arrest at her mother’s in South Webster, Ohio. To be put into Pre-Trial Services program. Can leave for medical emergencies, lawyer appointments, medical appointments. Must clear everything with Pre-Trial Services officer. Must keep Pre-Trial Services officer advised of her current address. With exception of medications prescribed by licensed physician for her, not to consume alcohol or controlled substances.
Had Arraignment hearing on 11/15/18. 11/20/18: Posted bond, released from jail.

 

[cds0902]

It may be another AW. The AW in that case looks like she was seeking a URESA (interstate enforcement for child support) from a Volusia County,FL judgement.

yelp

 

[cds0902]

I was thinking the same about the hand soap. No, he doesn't look like he's getting much sleep. Franklin County jail is supposedly a pretty bad place, too.

Franklin County jail is no joke,usually overcrowded, you are lucky to get a blanket or a cot. Was wondering if JW is with general population or isolation.

 

[cds0902]

yelp

Anything is possible, living in Florida doesn't seem like a far stretch when you have lived in Alaska.

 

[Jonas_Klein]

I posted about the father, my next comment is about the mother. Some posters portray AW as a crime leader. Let me disagree.

One poster mentioned AW engaged in conversations in SM groups. Maybe she even came here, who knows! If this is true, she is either:
A) an arrogant and manipulative mastermind or
B) simply naive and manipulated

I am going with "naive and manipulated" and here is why:
1) her husband is uneducated, unsuccesful, a felon, bankrupted.
2) she became a felon too
3) her businesses were questionable
4) her home was decorated for men. This speaks volume to me.
5) she followed 3 adult men to isolation away from her friendship base.

She must have a low esteem of herself to stay in this position. One poster also speculated she was an active grand mother. I would believe it and even think her children and grand children were the only thing she had.

I look at how the two boys treated their wives. I expect the same from GW3. IMO, he had to marry a weaker woman. I would also bet his mother in law, RN, feared him too.

This is a crime against a mother and her family. IMO, the pattern started a long time ago in the family of the defendants. I expect her attorneys to play this card at some point.

I could be wrong, but given the nature of the crime, I doubt the parental influence could have worked in the other direction.

 

[CIA Team Member]

True, it was just a reading of the charges....EXCEPT...if one does the math on his age, HMR's age and the age of the toddler. It is pretty hard to overlook the charges of sex with a minor. And, I don't think any in vitro fertilization clinic impregnated a 15 year old. Ergo: "jurors further find and specify that the said Edward Jacob Wagner committed the said aggravated murder for the purpose of escaping detention, apprehension, trial or punishment for another offense committed by said Edward Jakob Wagner as specified in section" etc, etc, etc.
Hmmm, "for another offense committed by said Edward Jacob Wagner."

I don't know why I never put that scenario together.

 

[CIA Team Member]

I posted about the father, my next comment is about the mother. Some posters portray AW as a crime leader. Let me disagree.

One poster mentioned AW engaged in conversations in SM groups. Maybe she even came here, who knows! If this is true, she is either:
A) an arrogant and manipulative mastermind or
B) simply naive and manipulated

I am going with "naive and manipulated" and here is why:
1) her husband is uneducated, unsuccesful, a felon, bankrupted.
2) she became a felon too
3) her businesses were questionable
4) her home was decorated for men. This speaks volume to me.
5) she followed 3 adult men to isolation away from her friendship base.

She must have a low esteem of herself to stay in this position. One poster also speculated she was an active grand mother. I would believe it and even think her children and grand children were the only thing she had.

I look at how the two boys treated their wives. I expect the same from GW3. IMO, he had to marry a weaker woman. I would also bet his mother in law, RN, feared him too.

This is a crime against a mother and her family. IMO, the pattern started a long time ago in the family of the defendants. I expect her attorneys to play this card at some point.

I could be wrong, but given the nature of the crime, I doubt the parental influence could have worked in the other direction.

I like your dissection. Rather makes a lot sense when laid out this way, at least to me it does. To raise 2 dominant sons your husband would have to also be that way.
Personally, IMO, I can't see daddy Waggie being the spark to putting this together. But, I don't know if he's a "leader" personality and "Angie" a follower or if other way around.
I project we won't learn anything beyond what we currently know for about a year. I don't see the first trial to begin for at least 3/4 years from now. Lastly, I believe AW to have went to each trailer that had a child in it. And it was her who held each baby during the parents being shot, then child placed back into the bed. Too risky to be hyped up, shoot and aim perfectly with the hopes of no one moving. A baby would move around constantly by being jolted awake, then crying, their hands/legs moving about. I recall someone early on believed a woman to be involved and I think her part was this. JMO

 

[Bothsides]

Writing my theory in the stoory form.

Can you repost it please. I recall reading it, but lost it in allll the pages while catching up.

Public defenders .
public defenders . Court appointed with death penalty qualifications .

I guess he is destitute and the $ train stopped with FW.
Not a bad prize for being broke. Like stated, basically all four defendants get expertise FOR FREE99 not the one price suspected thinking he had obtained counsel for a fee. What luck of the draw.


I am relatively new to WS. I had started reading this thread in the beginning of Nov or so. I can only imagine how the lot of you felt on the day of the arrests. I had already had my eye on the Ws and then BAM. I feel like I got over not having to go through all the turmoil u all have for 2 5 years. I JUST made it to the end of the thread today..WHEW!


I look forward to going through the rest of the motions (some pun) with you all.


RIP to all the victims this is truly heartbreaking.