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

[Seattle1]

When GW4 argued that allowing his mother and younger brother to testify against him would violate his due process rights, defense attorney John Parker further argued his client had the right to confront any of the witnesses against him at trial and cross-examine those witnesses-- but under the plea agreement the State struck with JW, he had to follow the script.

Special prosecutor Andrew Wilson countered by saying the state's case against GW4 did not hinge on his brother's testimony.

"That's because Jake's proffer, Jake's cooperation, destroyed their defenses that they were coming up with," Wilson said. "It did not affect the state's case. What Jake's proffer did is affirm what the state already knew through its investigation."

Judge Randy Deering ultimately agreed with the prosecution and denied the defense's motion to prevent the testimony.

If the same same logic is followed here, I think the State should be able to use JW's Proffer as evidence at trial against Billy (if JW doesn't testify).

IMO, if Billy went to trial tomorrow-- and with JW still beaming over his generous sentence with an opportunity for freedom after 32 years, I don't think he'd hesitate to take the stand against Billy as agreed! But with the appeals at play -- I don't see a trial date anytime before late summer, and time for the 'new deal' to wear off....

Due Process Rights

 

[Seattle1]

Anybody know where I can re read any of AW and JW testimony from GW trial,

I want to see what state will lose if neither testify at BW trial,
There is less evidence against BW than GW and state will need either AW or JW to testify

The official court transcripts are very expensive but often will surface by a major news network after a defendant files an appeal. Personally, I mostly use the "transcript" feature from YT during live trial recording.

An earlier post linked excerpts of of JW's transcript but since AW opted not to have her testimony recorded, access to her testimony is more limited-- mostly summarized in MSM. However, I did find an unofficial transcript from a podcast of Angela's testimony albeit the title cites Idaho instead of Ohio.

Angela Wagner Takes the Stand Part II - The Idaho Massacre | iHeart

<p>As Angela Wagner’s testimony continues, she drops more bombshells on the stand that give us a glimpse at the night in question and its fallout.</p> <p>Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here:</p> <p><strong><a...

www.iheart.com

Angela Takes the Stand - The Piketon Massacre | iHeart

<p>What sort of mother would help her family plan the murder of 8 people? We’ve spent years speculating on Angela Wagner’s role in the Rhoden murders, but as she takes the stand, her story leaves us all shocked.</p> <p>Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here:</p> <p><strong><a...

www.iheart.com

 

[Covert Operative]

The official court transcripts are very expensive but often will surface by a major news network after a defendant files an appeal. Personally, I mostly use the "transcript" feature from YT during live trial recording.

An earlier post linked excerpts of of JW's transcript but since AW opted not to have her testimony recorded, access to her testimony is more limited-- mostly summarized in MSM. However, I did find an unofficial transcript from a podcast of Angela's testimony albeit the title cites Idaho instead of Ohio.

Angela Wagner Takes the Stand Part II - The Idaho Massacre | iHeart

<p>As Angela Wagner’s testimony continues, she drops more bombshells on the stand that give us a glimpse at the night in question and its fallout.</p> <p>Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here:</p> <p><strong><a...

www.iheart.com

Angela Takes the Stand - The Piketon Massacre | iHeart

<p>What sort of mother would help her family plan the murder of 8 people? We’ve spent years speculating on Angela Wagner’s role in the Rhoden murders, but as she takes the stand, her story leaves us all shocked.</p> <p>Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here:</p> <p><strong><a...

www.iheart.com

I can't seem to find Angela's transcript on your link, I do find where the podcasters spoke of the case. JW opted not to have his recorded either but someone got/paid for the court transcripts and posted them on scribd.

 

[Covert Operative]

Angela has been transferred from Scioto County Jail. An update of her new location was not in the system yet when I looked. I think they transfer female prisoners to Marysville?

 

[Seattle1]

I can't seem to find Angela's transcript on your link, I do find where the podcasters spoke of the case. JW opted not to have his recorded either but someone got/paid for the court transcripts and posted them on scribd.

Sorry. I use Win/laptop and each link opens to "episode transcript" for me. No log-in required:

Episode Transcript​

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.

ETA: This is not an official court transcript

 

[Seattle1]

Hosts read directly from JW's official Court Transcript beginning about the 6 min mark:

12/9/22

Jake Wagner Testimony Transcript​

12/11/22

Jake Wagner Testimony Transcript: PART 2​

 

[Seattle1]

Two hours recorded interview of AW played at GW4's trial....

10/13/22

Investigators interview with Angela Wagner heard for first time​

 

[Wildflower73]

@jamespilcher


This is a HUGE change in this ongoing case. Jake admitted to killing at least 5 if not 6 of 8 victims



12:13 PM · Jan 3, 2025

I just cannot believe this! This is so totally wrong and insane. In my opinion, they all should have the death penalty.

 

[Wildflower73]

The problem with that argument. Part of the terms of their plea agreement is that they testify against the other two defendants in their trials. They couldn't sentence them before the end of Billy's trial because they needed them to testify in his trial, too.

Because Judge Hein sentenced them prematurely, they don't have to testify in Billy's trial. That's likely the plan that defense and FW cooked up to get Billy acquitted. That was the goal, JMO

That is exactly the way I see it too. My heart breaks for the Rhoden family and loved ones.

 

[rescuemom]

I don't think they can be required to testify in Billy's case. I guess we will learn if they choose to testify in his case very near to trial or during trial. Since they have been sentenced there is no recourse to make them testify. Their DP cannot be reinstated in their case if they don't.

The judge knew this when he sentenced them but chose to do so anyway. It may be why he was so eager to go ahead and sentence them. There was no legal reason that forced him to sentence them before Billy's trial just like there is no legal reason that required him to drop the DP for Billy. Like you said, Judge, Prosecutor and Jury. He also is a good defense lawyer for Billy.

Unless it can look good on their record at future parole hearings that they cooperated entirely with the case

 

[Covert Operative]

Unless it can look good on their record at future parole hearings that they cooperated entirely with the case

Yes they can choose to testify but they can't be required to testify unless there is some legal maneuver to compel that.

 

[Caylee Advocate]

DISGUSTING pics of BW and Judge. Also RN smiling at AW... Yucky!!!!

Jake Wagner gets chance for parole. See photos of sentencing

The judge in the 2016 Pike County massacre case gave Jake Wagner a chance of parole. See our gallery of the sentencing.

www.chillicothegazette.com

 

[Caylee Advocate]

Maybe hearing about Andrea Carter's statements and Judge Hein's change of sentence got people riled up?

Nope.

 

[Caylee Advocate]

I think retired judges are assigned randomly to cases, but I am not sure who does it or how it specifically gets done.

https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/JCS/judgeAssignGuide.pdf

 

[sunshineray]

Nope.

Then why?

 

[poppyquiche]

I just need to weigh in on this thread even though I've only sort of paid attention to this case in the background over the years, because MY GOD Hannah May Rhoden's mom's PALPABLE fury during the victim impact statements combined with the absolutely INSANE narcissism of Jake and the general SHRUG behavior of Angela made me want to throw things at the screen. What a bunch of absolute GHOULS the Wagners are. I feel so bad for the Rhodens and everyone who cared about the victims.

The lengths to which people will go to "possess" children -- who are only in an "adult's" care for a mere 18 years -- is INSANE to me. I'll never ever understand it. How can you hate another adult more than you love a child who is your own flesh and blood?

 

[airportwoman]

Understanding the Pike County massacre

It’s been dubbed as the largest murder investigation in Ohio.

www.wlwt.com

Jan 3 - 2025

I don't have to read that story to know that something like this cannot be understood.

 

[Betty P]

It has been said that Judge Hein was know as “ No Time Hein”. I continue to state that Judge Hein … a retired Judge….was specifically selected for this case. His history and outspoken view on prison rehabilitation was known by those who placed him on this case. IMO this is on the State of Ohio.

Governor DeWine issued a statement after GW’s sentencing “George Wagner IV will never live another day outside of prison - a sentence that’s another step towards Justice for the Rhoden’s, Gilley’s, & Manley’s. I spoke with family members this morning, commending them for their courage & their patience as they waited 6+ years for this day.” Interestingly, Governor DeWine has not made a public statement or responded to requests since the sentencing of JW & AW.

Is this Ohio’s new courtroom? Traveling retired judges with zero accountability. Judges who clearly sabotage the States case (BW- by sentencing AW & JW who had plea agreements contingent upon BW’s trial). The complete disregard for the law enforcement who worked diligently to solve this crime.

JW planned & participated in 8 m*rders… it is an outrageous miscarriage of justice. It doesn’t matter the appalling reasons Judge Heins gave -this will undoubtedly have severe repercussions for the trust & belief in Ohio’s Judicial system.

It would be interesting to hear what Gov. DeWine thinks of the new judge's decisions. What does he think about the judge completely and unfairly undermining the state's well constructed case against Billy Wagner?

 

[poppyquiche]

It would be interesting to hear what Gov. DeWine thinks of the new judge's decisions. What does he think about the judge completely and unfairly undermining the state's well constructed case against Billy Wagner?

Yeah I am not the type to be like "every person should be thrown out as a human, immediately, for any reason if they step out of line and commit a crime" but even I was watching that sentencing like "??????? WHAT IS HAPPENING??" These people purposely perpetrated a MASS MURDER and it's not even SLIGHTLY in question that it was them.

This judge sucks.

 

[INfisherman]

Yeah I am not the type to be like "every person should be thrown out as a human, immediately, for any reason if they step out of line and commit a crime" but even I was watching that sentencing like "??????? WHAT IS HAPPENING??" These people purposely perpetrated a MASS MURDER and it's not even SLIGHTLY in question that it was them.

This judge sucks.

The smirking, "I know more than you ever will" type of look in his eyes says it all to me. When I meet people like this, I don’t even try to speak because I know the only voice they want to hear is their own.

Jake Wagner gets chance for parole. See photos of sentencing

The judge in the 2016 Pike County massacre case gave Jake Wagner a chance of parole. See our gallery of the sentencing.

www.chillicothegazette.com