OH - Pike Co - 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered - 4 Wagner Family Members Arrested #88

[Covert Operative]

Wednesday, November 6th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 1pm 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.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) - *George Washington “Billy” Wagner III (47/now 53) (name changed [11/5/86] from William Emmanuel) [Jake’s father] indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) with 8 counts of 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 4th 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. Was permanently moved (9/13/24) to the Pickaway County Jail in Circleville, *Pike County (Butler County jail/move [9/13/24] to Pickaway County Jail)
Trial set to begin on 1/6/25. (should last 8 weeks).
Presiding Judge Jonathan P. Hein replaced (on 5/29/24) Judge R. Alan Corbin [health reasons]. Prosecutor Angela R. Canepa & defense attorneys Mark C. Collins & Thomas F. Hayes.
Case & court information from 12/4/18 thru 9/13/24 reference post #816 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...ner-family-members-arrested-88.674961/page-41
9/20/24 Docket update: Warrant for removal of defendant from Pickaway County jail on 10/7/24 for pretrial hearing.
10/7/24 Update: Statements argument now - about Billy's interview with BCI in Kroger parking lot early in investigation as well as his statement at Montana border - not going to use second one. No motion arguments needed. Now onto witness list - initial from state is 350 people. Special Prosecutor Canepa going to issue a smaller pared down witness list by 10/14. Defense lawyer Marc Collins says he thinks actual list will be less than 60 because they will stipulate or agree to a lot more evidence than in George Wagner IV's trial. Now onto discussions of "other acts" evidence - not necessarily convictions but other stuff Billy & family may have done to indicate criminal intent. Now onto change of venue - defense argues media attention is growing even since earlier hearings. Hein pushes back by asking who says this is largest case in Ohio history. Also asks "should I not at least try?” Defense brings up fact that Hein previously moved cases out of Darke County because of sheriff's statement there. Cites statement of previous prosecutor (and now judge) after George's conviction. Prosecutor Canepa now arguing that we shouldn't even be here. Nov. 4 2023 argued in front of Judge Corbin - who decided to keep it in Pike Co. on Nov. 20 2023. Judge Hein says if he rules differently than previous judge & moves trial, it's not indication of previous Judge Corbin's judgement. Expect ruling on change of venue in about 2 weeks. Next pretrial conference hearing on 11/6/24 @ 1pm.
10/7/24 Docket update: State's memorandum contra defendant's amended Motion for Change of Venue filed by Angela R. Canepa.
*George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 33) – Guilty of all charges on 11/30/22 & sentenced on 12/19/22 to 8 Life sentences without the possibility of parole to run consecutively for the murders plus 121 years on other charges. Appeal filed 1/26/23.
*Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 54) – 9/10/21: Plead guilty to a plea deal to Counts 9 thru 22; Counts 1-8 were dismissed. Will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with no early release & has to testify against others at trial.
*Edward Jacob “Jake” Wagner (26/now 31) – Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges & will testify at the trials & will be sentenced after GW3 trial.
*Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 71) – Motion hearing on 12/2/19 entered a plea of guilty to all charges. Will testify at the trials.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 82) – 6/26/19: Charges were dismissed without prejudice.

The pretrial for today was changed to Nov 20th.

 

[Niner]

The pretrial for today was changed to Nov 20th.

Thank you!

 

[Niner]

Docket updates

Date Docket Text
11/04/2024 WARRANT FOR REMOVAL FROM PICKAWAY COUNTY JAIL ON NOVEMBER 6, 2024 AT 1:00PM

11/05/2024 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Judge: JONATHAN P. HEIN
Event: PRE-TRIAL
Date: 11/20/2024 Time: 01:00 PM

11/05/2024 MOTION TO CONTINUE PRE-TRIAL HEARING SET FOR NOVMEBER 6, 2024 FILED
Attorney: CANEPA, ANGELA R
Attorney: COLLINS, MARK C
Attorney: HAYES, THOMAS F

11/05/2024 ENTRY GRANTING JOINT REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF PRETRIAL FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2024 TO WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 AT 1:00PM

11/05/2024 ENTRY - WARRANT FOR REMOVAL ISSUED NOVEMBER 4, 2024 IS WITHDRAWN

11/05/2024 WARRANT FOR REMOVAL FROM PICKAWAY COUNTY JAIL ON NOVEMBER 20, 2024 AT 1:00PM


Events
Date/Time Type Event Judge Result
11/06/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT CANCELLED

11/20/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

12/16/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

01/03/2025 09:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

01/06/2025 09:00 AM JURY TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT
CourtView Justice Solutions Inc. an equivant company, Copyright 2024 v1.42.00
link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/e...h06z35cIjFvWkbskFT1zPbzbNc6MiYv21ZSJUX-zYCQdA

 

[Betty P]

Docket updates

Date Docket Text
11/04/2024 WARRANT FOR REMOVAL FROM PICKAWAY COUNTY JAIL ON NOVEMBER 6, 2024 AT 1:00PM

11/05/2024 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Judge: JONATHAN P. HEIN
Event: PRE-TRIAL
Date: 11/20/2024 Time: 01:00 PM

11/05/2024 MOTION TO CONTINUE PRE-TRIAL HEARING SET FOR NOVMEBER 6, 2024 FILED
Attorney: CANEPA, ANGELA R
Attorney: COLLINS, MARK C
Attorney: HAYES, THOMAS F

11/05/2024 ENTRY GRANTING JOINT REQUEST FOR CONTINUANCE OF PRETRIAL FROM NOVEMBER 6, 2024 TO WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024 AT 1:00PM

11/05/2024 ENTRY - WARRANT FOR REMOVAL ISSUED NOVEMBER 4, 2024 IS WITHDRAWN

11/05/2024 WARRANT FOR REMOVAL FROM PICKAWAY COUNTY JAIL ON NOVEMBER 20, 2024 AT 1:00PM


Events
Date/Time Type Event Judge Result
11/06/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT CANCELLED

11/20/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

12/16/2024 01:00 PM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

01/03/2025 09:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

01/06/2025 09:00 AM JURY TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT
CourtView Justice Solutions Inc. an equivant company, Copyright 2024 v1.42.00
link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/e...h06z35cIjFvWkbskFT1zPbzbNc6MiYv21ZSJUX-zYCQdA

He's got a pretty tight schedule ahead. I hope they can get this completed on time. It will be interesting to see whether they get a change of venue for Billy. Even if they do, it seems very doubtful it would help him in any way.

 

[Niner]

I am posting this now as I will be having cataract surgery tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, November 20th:
*Pretrial Hearing (@ 1pm 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.) and a young child (3) were unharmed. (April 21-22, 2016, Pebbles) - *George Washington “Billy” Wagner III (47/now 53) (name changed [11/5/86] from William Emmanuel) [Jake’s father] indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (12/4/18) with 8 counts of 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 4th 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. Was permanently moved (9/13/24) to the Pickaway County Jail in Circleville, *Pike County (Butler County jail/move [9/13/24] to Pickaway County Jail)
Trial set to begin on 1/6/25. @ 9am (should last 8 weeks).
Presiding Judge Jonathan P. Hein replaced (on 5/29/24) Judge R. Alan Corbin [health reasons]. Prosecutor Angela R. Canepa & defense attorneys Mark C. Collins & Thomas F. Hayes.
Case & court information from 12/4/18 thru 10/7/24 reference post #840 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...ner-family-members-arrested-88.674961/page-42
10/7/24 Docket update: State's memorandum contra defendant's amended Motion for Change of Venue filed by Angela R. Canepa. Ext pretrial conference hearing on 11/6/24 @ 1pm.
11/4/24 Docket update Warrant for removal from Pickaway County Jail on 11/6/24. 11/5/24 Docket update: Motion to continue pretrial hearing set for 11/6/24. Entry granting joint request for continuance of pretrial from 11/6/24 to 11/20/24 @ 1pm. Entry-Warrant for removal issued 11/4/24 is withdrawn. Warrant for removal from Pickaway County jail on 11/20/24.
*George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 33) – Guilty of all charges on 11/30/22 & sentenced on 12/19/22 to 8 Life sentences without the possibility of parole to run consecutively for the murders plus 121 years on other charges. Appeal filed 1/26/23.
*Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 54) – 9/10/21: Plead guilty to a plea deal to Counts 9 thru 22; Counts 1-8 were dismissed. Will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with no early release & has to testify against others at trial.
*Edward Jacob “Jake” Wagner (26/now 32) – Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges & will testify at the trials & will be sentenced after GW3 trial.
*Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 71) – Motion hearing on 12/2/19 entered a plea of guilty to all charges. Will testify at the trials.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 82) – 6/26/19: Charges were dismissed without prejudice.

 

[Covert Operative]

Wow, I am not thinking I actually heard what I heard the judge say.
I could understand it wrong but it seems he is saying he will dismiss the DP specifications on Billy and will sentence Angela and Jake before Billys trial. That would mean that Angela and Jake would not have to testify against Billy. That would make a big difference in his trial. Maybe someone else might understand it differently than me.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1559114721402225

 

[arielilane]

@jamespilcher

Back in Pike County for hearing for Billy Wagner in massacre case - expecting a change of venue decision from judge- follow along on http://local12.com ⁦
⁩
Looks as if on record right on time with visiting judge Hein @local12 - says pre hearing off record meetings in chambers are not happening anymore

Says he wants Wagner involved in all steps from here on out

Lots of discussion on discovery and whittling down witness lists - the prosecution has 357 possible names. But defense is going to stipulate to a lot more than the previous trial of Jake Wagner.

Judge Hein says he has answer to change of venue on his desk but not quite ready to file it.

Now arguing over death penalty specifications arguments. Death penalty would be waived if Jake and Angela Wagner testify against Billy to prosecution's satisfaction. Two sides trying to craft an agreement to be entered before trial


Judge Hein having conversation directly with Billy Wagner. Prosecution now saying it's possible death penalty specifications could be removed before trial. Correction on previous tweet - only Jake had that agreement not Angela.


Hein - "I do not want to be the tip of the spear" ... doesn't want to micromanage lawyers. But wants to be sure everything gets done before trial . Not going to take responsibility for negotiations that fall behind. Way behind for a trial that has death specs


Hein now asking prosecution what they think their duties are to the family. Canepa says she is required to alert them when things happen, and to advise them on any developments. Not bound by them to make decisions - including possible plea deals, but family has input.


Judge Hein now addressing family as he did with Wagner earlier. Wants to set stage that no one should assume anything going forward.


Big move now by Hein - death penalty is now gone from this trial. Go ahead and sentence Angela Wagner. Canepa objects strongly. Says can't dismiss death specs without motion of state. Says will delay Jan 3 start date. "no legal basis to do this”


Hein counters "I'm on tip of spear for things you're not doing" - saying the clock ran out. We're not going to pussyfoot around with assurances. Says Canepa had promised an agreement beforehand.


Canepa: Why are you trying to sabotage this case? New co counsel stands up to try and calm her down. Says he hasn't ever seen this before having judge unilaterally ruling. Asks until Monday to get agreement.


Hein says his ruling within the court rules. This throws state's agreement with Jake up in air. Hein also shows frustration over how many times he heard that they were close to agreement.


Canepa asks if Hein ever gave either side a deadline for an agreement. Back and forth with Hein - Canepa: you think this funny? Eight people were killed. Hein: understands completely puts her in awkward position. Canepa: judge has shown himself complete bias.


Hein says he is going to schedule sentencing of Angela and Jake ahead of trials. This is about seeking finality he says. This can't keep going if not going. Leaves door open for an agreement before he files his ruling.


In the end, Hein issued a bench ruling about death penalty specs and sentencing Jake and Angela but not official yet. Gave two sides until Monday to get final agreement that would lift it but also force Jake to testify.

Full coverage tonight at 4 and 5:30 on @local12


Edited: Additional posts added.

 

[Covert Operative]

@jamespilcher

Judge Hein having conversation directly with Billy Wagner. Prosecution now saying it's possible death penalty specifications could be removed before trial. Correction on previous tweet - only Jake had that agreement not Angela.


Hein - "I do not want to be the tip of the spear" ... doesn't want to micromanage lawyers. But wants to be sure everything gets done before trial . Not going to take responsibility for negotiations that fall behind. Way behind for a trial that has death specs


Hein now asking prosecution what they think their duties are to the family. Canepa says she is required to alert them when things happen, and to advise them on any developments. Not bound by them to make decisions - including possible plea deals, but family has input.


Judge Hein now addressing family as he did with Wagner earlier. Wants to set stage that no one should assume anything going forward.


Big move now by Hein - death penalty is now gone from this trial. Go ahead and sentence Angela Wagner. Canepa objects strongly. Says can't dismiss death specs without motion of state. Says will delay Jan 3 start date. "no legal basis to do this”


Hein counters "I'm on tip of spear for things you're not doing" - saying the clock ran out. We're not going to pussyfoot around with assurances. Says Canepa had promised an agreement beforehand.


Canepa: Why are you trying to sabotage this case? New co counsel stands up to try and calm her down. Says he hasn't ever seen this before having judge unilaterally ruling. Asks until Monday to get agreement.


Hein says his ruling within the court rules. This throws state's agreement with Jake up in air. Hein also shows frustration over how many times he heard that they were close to agreement.


Canepa asks if Hein ever gave either side a deadline for an agreement. Back and forth with Hein - Canepa: you think this funny? Eight people were killed. Hein: understands completely puts her in awkward position. Canepa: judge has shown himself complete bias.


Hein says he is going to schedule sentencing of Angela and Jake ahead of trials. This is about seeking finality he says. This can't keep going if not going. Leaves door open for an agreement before he files his ruling.

I was in shock when I was watching the pretrial. I posted it a little while ago. Wow

 

[arielilane]

 

[CHEL]

Ooh this prosecutor and Judge arguing is making me nervous.

 

[arielilane]

I was in shock when I was watching the pretrial. I posted it a little while ago. Wow

Not sure if this unprofessional judge mets age and service requirements set but certainly hope he is, so he can retire. How disrespectful he was toward AC. moo

 

[Tricia]

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[Covert Operative]

Not sure if this unprofessional judge mets age and service requirements set but certainly hope he is, so he can retire. How disrespectful he was toward AC. moo

He called both of them ineffective lawyers basically in a round about way. I believe he was meaning it more toward her when he was making his statement or it seemed that way to me. He seems to be on a power trip of sorts.

 

[arielilane]

He called both of them ineffective lawyers basically in a round about way. I believe he was meaning it more toward her when he was making his statement or it seemed that way to me. He seems to be on a power trip of sorts.

Timestamp 47:11 mark [video posted above]: AC is commenting, wants her voice heard, and … He responds by saying you have this habit that is annoying...

He's passive aggressive, jmo

 

[Covert Operative]

Timestamp 47:11 mark [video posted above]: AC is commenting, wants her voice heard, and … He responds by saying you have this habit that is annoying...

He's passive aggressive, jmo

He is on such a power trip. He just gave Billy the closest thing to a get out of jail free card he could ever get. This is not monopoly. omg Seems to me they can think of several defenses to use for Billy if Angela and Jake do not testify. The same one George used, that Billy was not there and knew nothing of it or maybe a few others.

 

[Covert Operative]

Pike County Murder Trial: Judge wants to dismiss death penalty, sentence other Wagners ahead of Billy's trial

Judge Jonathan Hein made an unexpected announcement regarding the death penalty during an otherwise routine hearing ahead of the murder trial of George "Billy" Wagner III in Pike County.

www.wcpo.com

 

[Covert Operative]

Judge: No death penalty in final Pike County massacre trial

George "Billy" Wagner III is set for trial in the 2016 Pike County killings case in January. The judge does not want a delay.

www.cincinnati.com

 

[tlcya]

"I think the court properly can and should set a deadline if the court wants to set a deadline, but I have never seen death penalty specifications dismissed absent the state making the request, or the defense making the request," said O'Brien.

In the end, Hein relented and agreed to give both sides until Monday to complete and submit their agreement as to how the death penalty specifications will be handled. If they do not come to an agreement, Hein said he intends to file the dismissal and schedule the sentencing for at least Angela Wagner.
Pike County Murder Trial: Judge wants to dismiss death penalty, sentence other Wagners ahead of Billy's trial

 

[Covert Operative]

"I think the court properly can and should set a deadline if the court wants to set a deadline, but I have never seen death penalty specifications dismissed absent the state making the request, or the defense making the request," said O'Brien.

In the end, Hein relented and agreed to give both sides until Monday to complete and submit their agreement as to how the death penalty specifications will be handled. If they do not come to an agreement, Hein said he intends to file the dismissal and schedule the sentencing for at least Angela Wagner.
Pike County Murder Trial: Judge wants to dismiss death penalty, sentence other Wagners ahead of Billy's trial

Not sure why Billy and his defense would come to any agreement knowing that Angela and/or (especially)Jake may not have to testify. Seems the defense has the upper hand in negotiations now.

 

[Covert Operative]

'Why are you trying to sabotage this case?': Judge throws wrench into Wagner trial

The father of the family charged in the murders of eight people in one night in Pike County could find out Wednesday if his trial will be moved.

local12.com