OH - Pike Co - 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered - 4 Wagner Family Members Arrested #89

[tlcya]

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio —

A town woke up one morning to the horror that eight people were brutally killed. The Rhoden family suffered an unthinkable loss eight times over on one late April night in 2016. And years would go by before an arrest was made, and the massacre of an entire family still haunts Pike County, Ohio to this day. On April 22, 2021 Edward Jake Wagner pleads guilty and agrees to testify against family members.

PRESSER: APRIL 27, 2016

Video Interview with Attorney General DeWine Published 8-13-16

Minors: You may discuss what is covered in the main stream media regarding the custody of minor children. If posting snips from articles regarding the children please redact their names. These babes are innocents. One day they will google their names or those of their parents. And plenty will come up. Let's be respectful of them and the catastrophic loss they have suffered at such tender ages. Thanks.

DO NOT SLEUTH STILL LIVING FAMILY MEMBERS' FACEBOOK PAGES AND POST ABOUT IT HERE. Just don't mention it. Period.

Leave the politics, both national and local, at the door. There is no room for them here.

Rules Etiquette & Information


MEDIA, MAPS & TIMELINE LINKS *NO DISCUSSION*

Detailed Timeline Post by BettyP

CASE NOTES (courtesy of cujenn81) this link contains locations, distance, victim info, relationships and more.

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[Knitty]

Please continue here.

 

[LMDlong]

I would have thought Hein would have done some homework to read up on this case to prepare for it. I thought Deering said sentencing for Jake and Angela would be after they testified. It only makes sense that they would not be sentenced until they fulfilled the plea agreements.
When I got some free time I’m going to read Jake’s agreement again.

 

[LMDlong]

Thank you and Great job finding all the information Covert Operative .

 

[Betty P]

I would have thought Hein would have done some homework to read up on this case to prepare for it. I thought Deering said sentencing for Jake and Angela would be after they testified. It only makes sense that they would not be sentenced until they fulfilled the plea agreements.
When I got some free time I’m going to read Jake’s agreement again.

I think he was already familiar with the case. Judging from the tenor of Prosecutor Canepa's arguments, he knew very well what he was doing.

As for parole, I've seen nothing to indicate that, if Billy was handed a 50 yr sentence (per the plea deal the judge wanted AC to accept) that he wouldn't also be eligible for parole. I think that's what the judge wants - a 50 yr sentence w/ standard parole eligibility (good behavior, time served, etc.)

ICBW, but I also never envisioned the judge would be allowed to re-write the plea agreements for Jake, Angela and Rita Newcomb. That's not how Judge Deering handled things. JMO

 

[pittsburghgirl]

I'm not in Ohio but there should be political pressure brought to bear to uphold the original plea agreements.

 

[scapa]

Were JW and AW sentenced yesterday as promised? Have tried to catch up but site has been dodgy of late for me and didn't see it in-thread.

TIA all.

 

[Betty P]

Were JW and AW sentenced yesterday as promised? Have tried to catch up but site has been dodgy of late for me and didn't see it in-thread.

TIA all.

No, the hearings have been postponed.

 

[Covert Operative]

Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that Judge Hein will remain the judge on the case.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869862646536663076

 

[arielilane]

@pattinewberry


BREAKING: Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein will remain on the #PikeCountyMassacre trial of #BillyWagner and on the cases of his younger son and wife.


Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner and handling sentencing of son Jake Wagner and wife Angela Wagner. 2/6


Canepa argued that Hein, appointed to handle the cases in late May/early June, showed hostility, bias and prejudice against her and victims' families in handling pretrial matters in Wagner's case. She filed what's called an affidavit of disqualification Dec. 9. 3/6


"Canepa has not established that Judge Hein's disqualification is warranted" and her allegations lack merit, Kennedy wrote. 4/6


The case is still scheduled to start Jan. 6 in Pike County. But that cannot happen until the Ohio Court of Appeals handles Canepa's filing objecting to Hein's decision to remove death as a possible penalty if Wagner is convicted. 5/6


Additionally, Hein earlier granted Wagner's request to move the trial out of Pike County but has not yet announced a new venue. 6/6

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869862653516239044

 

[Puzzles8]

@pattinewberry


BREAKING: Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein will remain on the #PikeCountyMassacre trial of #BillyWagner and on the cases of his younger son and wife.


Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner and handling sentencing of son Jake Wagner and wife Angela Wagner. 2/6


Canepa argued that Hein, appointed to handle the cases in late May/early June, showed hostility, bias and prejudice against her and victims' families in handling pretrial matters in Wagner's case. She filed what's called an affidavit of disqualification Dec. 9. 3/6


"Canepa has not established that Judge Hein's disqualification is warranted" and her allegations lack merit, Kennedy wrote. 4/6


The case is still scheduled to start Jan. 6 in Pike County. But that cannot happen until the Ohio Court of Appeals handles Canepa's filing objecting to Hein's decision to remove death as a possible penalty if Wagner is convicted. 5/6


Additionally, Hein earlier granted Wagner's request to move the trial out of Pike County but has not yet announced a new venue. 6/6

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869862653516239044

I still want to know if JW, AW, and RN will still be sentenced before Billy's trial begins, as in in the next couple weeks. That determination might affect Billy's trial results.

JMO

 

[Seattle1]

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner and handling sentencing of son Jake Wagner and wife Angela Wagner. 2/6

^^rsbm

Nonetheless, I'm glad that J Hein was put on notice by AC before the public and his peers, and showed this man that she wasn't going to accept his blatant disrespect sitting down, or his words fall on deaf ears! MOO

 

[Niner]

Here's the docket updates for everyone. Went back to look - so hopefully no double posts here.

BW - murder case
Docket updates:
Date Docket Text
12/16/2024 TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING HELD AUGUST 2, 2024 FILED
12/16/2024 TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING HELD SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 FILED
12/16/2024 TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING HELD NOVEMBER 20, 2024 FILED
12/16/2024 TRANSCRIPT OF HEARING HELD OCTOBER 7, 2024 FILED

12/18/2024 JUDGMENT ENTRY APPOINTMENT OF APPELLATE COUNSEL (KORT GATTERDAM) FILED
COPIES FILED EMAILED TO COUNSEL AND MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS


BW - Appeal #2024CA000931
Docket updates:
Date Docket Text
12/17/2024 REPLY MEMORANDUM OF PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT STATE OF OHIO IN SUPPORT OF MOTION FOR STAY FILED
COPIES FILED EMAIL RETURED TO COUNSEL, FAXED TO COURT OF APPEALS AND MAILED


BW - Appeal #2024CA000932
Docket updates:
Date Docket Text
12/13/2024 MAGISTRATE'S ORDER FILED
COPIES FILED MAILED 4 TO COURT OF APPEALS, EMAILED TO ALL COUNSEL AND COURT REPORTER

12/16/2024 NOTICE OF TRANSMISSION OF RECORD TO COURT OF APPEALS
COPIES EMAILED TO COUNSEL WITH DOCKET AND MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS
12/16/2024 CASE FILE AND TRANSCRIPTS MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS

12/17/2024 JOINT STIPULATION TO EXTEND COURT'S SCHEDULING ORDER FILED
COPIES FILED EMAIL RETURED TO COUNSEL, FAXED TO COURT OF APPEALS AND MAILED
12/17/2024 VICTIM-APPELLANT T.R.'S REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT FILED
COPIES FILED EMAIL RETURED TO COUNSEL, FAXED TO COURT OF APPEALS AND MAILED


GW4 - Appeal case
Docket update:
Date Docket Text
12/13/2024 REPLY BRIEF OF DEFENDANT-APPELLANT GEORGE W. WAGNER, IV; ORAL ARGUMENT REQUESTED
COPIES FILED RETD TO COUNSEL BY EMAIL; 4 COPIES FILED MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS


Angela:
Docket update:
Date Docket Text
12/13/2024 ENTRY ON AFFIDAVIT OF DISQUALIFICATION OF HON. JONATHAN HEIN FILED 12-10-2024 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO


Jake:
Docket update:
Date Docket Text
12/13/2024 ENTRY ON AFFIDAVIT OF DISQUALIFICATION OF HON. JONATHAN HEIN FILED 12-10-2024 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO


Rita: Her sentencing hearing still shows 12/23/24 & has not been cancelled like the other 2.
Docket update:
12/13/2024 ENTRY ON AFFIDAVIT OF DISQUALIFICATION OF HON. JONATHAN HEIN FILED 12-10-2024 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO


link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=pefqGXoNoEhWPVf9ClwmIQ

 

[Betty P]

@pattinewberry


BREAKING: Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein will remain on the #PikeCountyMassacre trial of #BillyWagner and on the cases of his younger son and wife.


Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy on Thursday rejected a request from Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa to disqualify Hein from hearing the coming case against Billy Wagner and handling sentencing of son Jake Wagner and wife Angela Wagner. 2/6


Canepa argued that Hein, appointed to handle the cases in late May/early June, showed hostility, bias and prejudice against her and victims' families in handling pretrial matters in Wagner's case. She filed what's called an affidavit of disqualification Dec. 9. 3/6


"Canepa has not established that Judge Hein's disqualification is warranted" and her allegations lack merit, Kennedy wrote. 4/6


The case is still scheduled to start Jan. 6 in Pike County. But that cannot happen until the Ohio Court of Appeals handles Canepa's filing objecting to Hein's decision to remove death as a possible penalty if Wagner is convicted. 5/6


Additionally, Hein earlier granted Wagner's request to move the trial out of Pike County but has not yet announced a new venue. 6/6

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869862653516239044

Kennedy is another justice who focuses on cost, the type that mistakenly sees the courts as a "business". For that reason she wants every case to be negotiated instead of going to trial. I suppose she believes cutting costs and letting murderers go free is ok. Duly noted.

Sharon Kennedy » Supreme Court of Ohio

www.supremecourt.ohio.gov

It sounds like Canepa is still under pressure to give Billy a very generous deal in lieu of going to trial. Why? Is this something Ohio prosecutors and judges do routinely these days? Letting unrepentant, lying mass murderers out of jail with only a few years served at county jail? What has Billy done to deserve such special treatment?

 

[Betty P]

A very good summary of the case against Billy Wagner

MSN

Testimony of wife, younger son lay out Billy Wagner role​

That's where Billy Wagner's wife, Angela, said her husband decided what needed to be done. That's where Wagner's other son, Jake, said he initially rejected but then accepted his father's plan to kill the Rhodens.

It's where a family friend said he saw an arsenal in Billy's possession, where law enforcement laid out the gruesome crimes, where prosecutors asserted Billy's central role.

It is not known, of course, who will testify when Billy Wagner returns to court. Same goes for evidence, strategy and all the other particulars of the case. The outcome cannot be predicted.

But this much is clear. There will be human drama, inherent in a murder case and apparent from pretrial hearings in the case. And there was wrongdoing, with seven Rhodens and one future family member shot to death in the dark of night.

The Enquirer will be on hand to report all of it.

 

[Betty P]

Below is a link to the story profiling Billy Wagner, written 2 years ago by Patricia Newberry. It's also a good summary of the evidence that can be used against him, taken from his son George's trial.

What's next after Pike County murder trial?

Geoge Wagner IV was convicted in the 2016 Pike County homicide case this week. His father will face trial next.

www.cincinnati.com

 

[rescuemom]

Supreme Court of Ohio ruled that Judge Hein will remain the judge on the case.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1869862646536663076

Maybe he will be watchful of his actions. I saw the video of that hearing and he strikes me as just arrogant period. I don't think it is necessarily towards only this case but in the video the host said he had complaints going back to the 90s. Maybe the SC didn't see merit to remove him on bias but surely the fact that he is not complying with previous agreements for JW and AW. I don't know how that works. I wonder what Judge Deering or Mike Dewine would say.

The video was on a new outlet for me called The Docket on youtube. Sorry if this isn't allowed

THE DOCKET

Welcome to The Docket; I obtain official court documents, purchase case files, cover trials & just about anything true crime related. This is a partial list of our "Cases of Interest": Chad & Lori Vallow Daybell- Idaho and Arizona. Brandon Boudreaux Adam & Kayla Montgomery Sarah Boone Kouri...

www.youtube.com

 

[Betty P]

Maybe he will be watchful of his actions. I saw the video of that hearing and he strikes me as just arrogant period. I don't think it is necessarily towards only this case but in the video the host said he had complaints going back to the 90s. Maybe the SC didn't see merit to remove him on bias but surely the fact that he is not complying with previous agreements for JW and AW. I don't know how that works. I wonder what Judge Deering or Mike Dewine would say.

The video was on a new outlet for me called The Docket on youtube. Sorry if this isn't allowed

THE DOCKET

Welcome to The Docket; I obtain official court documents, purchase case files, cover trials & just about anything true crime related. This is a partial list of our "Cases of Interest": Chad & Lori Vallow Daybell- Idaho and Arizona. Brandon Boudreaux Adam & Kayla Montgomery Sarah Boone Kouri...

www.youtube.com

That’s an interesting YT channel.

 

[Niner]

They have not cancelled Rita's sentencing hearing - so I will go ahead & post this.

Monday, December 23rd:
*Sentencing Hearing (@ 11am 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. Rhoden (16), Hanna May Rhoden (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) – *Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 71) (Maternal grandmother) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged & arraigned (11/15/18) with 3 counts of forgery (5th degree), 1 count of obstructing justice (5th degree) & 1 count of perjury (3rd degree). Plead not guilty. $50K Surety bond. *Pike County
Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (age 40): Nine shots (face, torso, extremities). He suffered was an apparent defensive wound to his right forearm that shattered bone. Also, at least one bullet went through a door before hitting him.
Dana Rhoden (age 37): Five (head). Methodically shot four times around the right side of her head & a fifth time under her chin.
Hannah Gilley (age 20): Five (head). Among the five bullet wounds to Gilley was one to her left eye.
Christopher Rhoden, Jr. (age 16): Four (head). With 2 of the shots in the top of his head.
Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden (age 20): Three (head). Two were “contact wounds” as indicated by soot from the gun on his skull.
Gary Rhoden (age 37): Three “contact” wounds (head). Shot twice in the head & once in the face. With one of the shots, the reports indicate the gun was pressed against the side of his head, leaving a "muzzle stain."
Hanna Mae Rhoden (19): Two (head).
Kenneth Rhoden (age 44): One shot (thru right eye).
All eight victims were shot with the gun barrel touching their skin or very, very close to it – just centimeters or inches away, the coroner determined.
Trial was scheduled for 11/18/19-continued. Cancelled: Newcomb plead guilty to 2nd degree obstructing justice (official business).
Court information from 10/22/19 to 11/15/19 reference post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...mbers-wagner-family-arrested-52.486132/page-7
11/18/19 Update: Trial has been continued. Jurors who were summoned were released. Motion hearing on 12/2/19 @ 1pm.
12/2/19 Update: Newcomb has acknowledged that she lied to the Grand Jury & was not the individual who signed the 3 separate custody documents at issue in the case. Newcomb is a notary. She had been asked to say that it was her signature by Angela Wagner, her daughter, according to prosecution. Judge Deering says an agreement has been reached between the parties in case of Newcomb. She is withdrawing plea of not guilty. Plead guilty to obstructing official business, a 2nd degree misdemeanor. RN will provide the Prosecution with info in exchange for the other charges being dropped. (Counts 1, 2, 3 & 5). No agreement on sentencing date yet. DA Angela Canepa requests Newcomb remain on bond, but allow her to get rid of house arrest & ankle monitor. Other conditions remain - she can't talk to others in the case, including Fredericka, or 4 Ws. Defense attorney Gerlach wanted RN to be able to talk to Fredericka. No contact with all previously ordered to have no contact with, including victim's families. Judge-granted request. Must still report to pre-trial services officer.
1/21/20 Update: State's supplemental discovery filed. 3/14/20: According to the Ohio Dept. of Health, Ohio’s COVI-19 pandemic will peak around that time or in early May. Courts will continue to scheduled things for their calendars.
6/4/20 Update: Motion to appoint special prosecutor filed by prosecuting attorney Robert Junk; Entry appointing special prosecutor, Angela Canepa. 6/19/20: Motion to withdraw appearance of counsel for attorney Carol O'Brien. 6/22/20: Entry: The motion filed by the State of Ohio, thru the Ohio Attorney General, requesting to withdraw the appearance of the Attorney Ohio Attorney General's office as counsel of record is well taken. The Court hereby grants the motion to withdraw appearance of counsel filed & the Ohio Attorney General's office. 6/24/20: Motion to appoint special prosecutor, D. Andrew Wilson to assist the Pike County prosecutor in the prosecution of all matters involving & arising out of this case.
4/26/22 Docket update: Motion to change compensation rate for special prosecutor filed by Robert Junk.
1/24/23 Docket update: Entry changing rate of compensation for special prosecutor Angela Canepa filed & mailed copies to Counsel. 2/7/23 Docket updates: Motion for appointment of special prosecutor filed by Robert Junk. Entry appointing Angela Canepa as special prosecutor filed. 2/16/23 Docket update: Journal entry of recusal-Rob Junk, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Pike County recuses himself from presiding as Judge in this action for the reason that said Judge's impartiality might reasonably be questioned due to serving as prosecuting attorney & having direct involvlment in the above mentioned case. 2/27/23 Docket update: Certificate of assignment. The Honorable R. Alan Corbin, a retired Judge of the Brown County Court of Common Pleas, general & domestic relations division, is assigned effective 2/27/23 to preside in the Pike County Court of Common Pleas, General & Domestic Relations Div., to hear case 2018CR000158, State vs. Newcomb & to conclude any proceedings in which he participated; copies filed mailed to Counsel.
6/6/24 Docket update: Certificate of assignment. Jonathan P. Hein, a retired Judge of the Darke County Court of Common Please, General & Domestic Relations Div., is assigned effective 6/4/24, to preside in the Pike County Common Pleas to hear case #2018CR000157, State vs. G. Wagner III & to conclude any proceedings in which the Judge participated.
11/25/24 Docket update: Sentencing hearing on 12/17/24 @ 11am. Costs for notices mailed. 12/6/24 Docket update: Sentencing rescheduled from 12/17/24 to 12/23/24 @ 11am. 12/13/24 Docket update: Entry on Affidavit of Disqualification of Hon. Jonathan Hein filed 12/10/24 in the Supreme Court of Ohio by Canepa.
*George Washington Wagner III (47/now 53) – Trial set to begin on 1/6/25.
*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. Sentencing hearing 12/17/24 but was cancelled.
*Edward Jacob "Jake" Wagner (26/now 32) – Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges. Sentencing hearing on 12/17/24 but was cancelled.
*George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 33) – Guilty of all charges – life in prison.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 82) – 6/26/19 Charges dismissed without prejudice.
Angela Canepa has resigned (5/28/20) from the Ohio Attorney General’s office and will no longer act as the lead prosecutor in Pike County of those charged with the mass slaying of seven members of the Rhoden family and the fiancee of one of the victims. Anthony Pierson, who is also a member of the attorney general’s special prosecution team and has been involved in the Pike County case, will now take over the lead for the prosecution team.

 

[Betty P]

Why is he in a rush to sentence Rita Newcomb? Judge Deering must have had a reason to rule for her sentencing to be delayed until the end.