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

[PrairieWind]

The entire death penalty argument is interesting. Governor DeWine is anti-death penalty and has issued a moratorium. His reasons are varied but really irrelevant. He will never allow an execution and i think it likely he will commute all death sentences when he leaves office. While I fully believe no people more fully deserves death sentences than the Wagners, it isn't going to happen. Maybe the case can be drug out long enough to allow a new Governor, but again, I think DeWine will step it.

 

[Covert Operative]

The entire death penalty argument is interesting. Governor DeWine is anti-death penalty and has issued a moratorium. His reasons are varied but really irrelevant. He will never allow an execution and i think it likely he will commute all death sentences when he leaves office. While I fully believe no people more fully deserves death sentences than the Wagners, it isn't going to happen. Maybe the case can be drug out long enough to allow a new Governor, but again, I think DeWine will step it.

Great Point. Ms. Canepa probably thinks the same, but she may want to use the DP to try to make sure Jake will feel more obligated to testify to remove it for Billy. I do not think Jake, or most probably think this judge would even sentence Billy to death if it were reinstated and he were found guilty. I can't even see him giving him LWOP.

 

[PrairieWind]

Great Point. Ms. Canepa probably thinks the same, but she may want to use the DP to try to make sure Jake will feel more obligated to testify to remove it for Billy. I do not think Jake, or most probably think this judge would even sentence Billy to death if it were reinstated and he were found guilty. I can't even see him giving him LWOP.

The defense attorneys aren't idiots. They know they know the DP is meaningless and that they likely have the upper hand now. A defense attorney's obligation is to his/her client. And they have done well here. A prosecutor, DA, governor, AG, their obligations are to the people. And they have all failed miserably.

 

[Covert Operative]

The defense attorneys aren't idiots. They know they know the DP is meaningless and that they likely have the upper hand now. A defense attorney's obligation is to his/her client. And they have done well here. A prosecutor, DA, governor, AG, their obligations are to the people. And they have all failed miserably.

They do have the upper hand now. I am not so convinced the Defense has done so well on the case themselves; I do think the judge has done well for them. I don't feel that the prosecutor has failed miserably, I do feel the judge has failed miserably though. Jake's plea was for LWOP, George got LWOP and Angela got 30 years which for her does seem like too little. Seems that for George the prosecutor did not fail at all and did not fail on Jake until the judge stepped in and gave him a chance for parole. The judge has certainly helped Billy out a few ways so far.

 

[Betty P]

The defense attorneys aren't idiots. They know they know the DP is meaningless and that they likely have the upper hand now. A defense attorney's obligation is to his/her client. And they have done well here. A prosecutor, DA, governor, AG, their obligations are to the people. And they have all failed miserably.

While I agree the defense attorneys are in a good position, I don't agree at all that the prosecutor has failed miserably. What has happened, after securing 2 good plea agreements and obtaining 1 guilty verdict, the state's case was undermined by a rogue judge who was the second one appointed to the case after the original judge (Judge Deering) retired.

The difference between the two judges and the manner in which the current judge is handling the case is like night and day. Several other prosecutors and judges have also come forward publicly, in the news media, to criticize this new judge, not just for the way he's handling this case, but also the way he has mishandled many cases in the past.

I'll go back in this thread and link the examples for you. It will take a few minutes.

 

[Betty P]

While I agree the defense attorneys are in a good position, I don't agree at all that the prosecutor has failed miserably. What has happened, after securing 2 good plea agreements and obtaining 1 guilty verdict, the state's case was undermined by a rogue judge who was the second one appointed to the case after the original judge (Judge Deering) retired.

The difference between the two judges and the manner in which the current judge is handling the case is like night and day. Several other prosecutors and judges have also come forward publicly, in the news media, to criticize this new judge, not just for the way he's handling this case, but also the way he has mishandled many cases in the past.

I'll go back in this thread and link the examples for you. It will take a few minutes.

Letter to the Editor: Writer expresses concerns over judge

I am writing to express my sympathy for the people of Pike County as they endure the involvement of Retired Judge Jonathan P. Hein in the high-profile Wagner murder trials.

www.newswatchman.com

Letter to the Editor: More concerns about Judge Hein voiced

Dear Editor,

www.newswatchman.com

There's another op-ed from a retired attorney who served on judicial review, I'm still looking for it.

 

[Cool Cats]

Great Point. Ms. Canepa probably thinks the same, but she may want to use the DP to try to make sure Jake will feel more obligated to testify to remove it for Billy. I do not think Jake, or most probably think this judge would even sentence Billy to death if it were reinstated and he were found guilty. I can't even see him giving him LWOP.

He gave Jake a chance for parole specifically to reward him for cooperating. George did not cooperate and so the judge wanted to reflect this by giving Jake a lesser sentence.

If Billy goes to trial and gives zero cooperation and gets on the stand and lies like George did.

Then it seems like this ego inflated judge would have to give Billy LWOP.

He sent the message that cooperation with the prosecution equals = Chance for parole.

2 Cents

 

[Covert Operative]

He gave Jake a chance for parole specifically to reward him for cooperating. George did not cooperate and so the judge wanted to reflect this by giving Jake a lesser sentence.

If Billy goes to trial and gives zero cooperation and gets on the stand and lies like George did.

Then it seems like this ego inflated judge would have to give Billy LWOP.

He sent the message that cooperation with the prosecution equals = Chance for parole.

2 Cents

Yep, that was what his reasoning sounded like, but I feel he will find some other reasoning that fits his agenda at the time for not giving Billy LWOP.

 

[Betty P]

He gave Jake a chance for parole specifically to reward him for cooperating. George did not cooperate and so the judge wanted to reflect this by giving Jake a lesser sentence.

If Billy goes to trial and gives zero cooperation and gets on the stand and lies like George did.

Then it seems like this ego inflated judge would have to give Billy LWOP.

He sent the message that cooperation with the prosecution equals = Chance for parole.

2 Cents

I don’t know about that. He ended up undermining the prosecution’s case against Billy by removing Jake and Angela’s incentive to testify at Billy’s trial.

It might be more like “cooperation with the prosecution will disqualify you from getting a chance for parole by the judge.”

 

[arielilane]

@pattinewberry

The visiting judge in #PikeCountymassacre #BillyWagner has ruffled feathers since joining the case -- and before that, elsewhere. From today's @enquirer:
https://t.co/Wj0uuYZFDU

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894361002348523817

 

[arielilane]

The autopsy showed all eight victims were shot with the gun barrel touching their skin or just centimeters away.

The number of gunshot wounds per victims, according to the reports:

• Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (age 40): Nine (face, torso, extremities).
• Dana Rhoden (age 37): Five (head).
• Hannah Gilley (age 20): Five (head)
• Christopher Rhoden, Jr. (age 16): Four (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).
• Hanna Rhoden (19): Two (head).
• Kenneth Rhoden (age 44): One (right eye).

Timeline: A full history of the Pike County murders

George Wagner IV is accused of murdering eight members of the Rhoden family after an alleged custody dispute.

www.wcpo.com

9/28/2022

 

[Betty P]

@pattinewberry

The visiting judge in #PikeCountymassacre #BillyWagner has ruffled feathers since joining the case -- and before that, elsewhere. From today's @enquirer:
https://t.co/Wj0uuYZFDU

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894361002348523817

Darn a paywall. I subscribed to the Cinci Enquirer during George 4's trial, but canceled when it was over. Maybe I'll see if I can view a free digital subscription at the local library web site.

 

[Covert Operative]

@pattinewberry

The visiting judge in #PikeCountymassacre #BillyWagner has ruffled feathers since joining the case -- and before that, elsewhere. From today's @enquirer:
https://t.co/Wj0uuYZFDU

https://twitter.com/x/status/1894361002348523817

At least the court of appeals has not dismissed the prosecutions death penalty appeal yet. There may be hope for that.

 

[Covert Operative]

The prosecution may be asking to appeal the sentencing that occurred?

Angela


02/03/2025 MOTION FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL Attorney: CANEPA, ANGELA R[/td]

02/20/2025JUDGMENT ENTRY -- NOTICE OF APPEAL IS DISMISSED; APPELLANT AND HER COUNSEL INDICATE THAT THIS APPEAL WAS FILED WITHOUT HER KNOWLEDGE OR AUTHORIZATION COPIES FILED EMAILED TO COUNSEL, 4 MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS

 

[Covert Operative]

The prosecution may be asking to appeal the sentencing that occurred. It was dismissed?

Jake

01/28/2025 NOTICE OF APPEAL COPY TO ATTY 4 TO COURT OF APPEALS[/td]

2/18/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY -- NOTICE OF APPEAL IS DISMISSED; APPELLANT AND HIS COUNSEL INDICATE THAT THIS APPEAL WAS FILED WITHOUT HIS KNOWLEDGE OR AUTHORIZATION COPIES FILED EMAILED TO COUNSEL, 4 MAILED TO COURT OF APPEALS

 

[Covert Operative]

The prosecution filed a motion for leave to appeal Jake and Angela's sentencing/sentence and the court has granted the motion to appeal on both.


02/03/2025 MOTION FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL FILED Attorney: CANEPA, ANGELA R[/td]

02/28/2025ENTRY - APPELLANT, STATE OF OHIO, FILED A MOTION FOR LEAVE TO APPEAL AND UPON CONSIDERATION, THE MOTION IS GRANTED; THE RECORD SHALL BE TRANSMITTED WITHIN 40 DAYS OF THE JOURNALIZATION OF THIS ENTRY COPIES FILED EMAILED TO COUNSEL, 4 TO COURT OF APPEALS

 

[Covert Operative]

Victim T.R. asked for the court to hear arguments on the Venue Change and the court agreed.

02/27/2025 VICTIM AND VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE T.R.'S MOTION TO EXERCISE HIS RIGHTS TO BE PRESENT AND HEARD AND REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THIS COURT'S DECISION TO CHANGE THE TRIAL VENUE FILED Attorney: GALLE, MORGAN

02/28/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY SETTING HEARINGS/PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES -- THIS MATTER CAME BEFORE THE COURT ON MOTION FILED FEBRUARY 27, 2025 BY COUNSEL FOR THE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE; IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A MORE THOROUGH RECORD, THE COURT IS WILLING TO DEVOTE TIME TO CONSIDER ARGUMENTS BY COUNSEL FOR THE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE; IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED AND DECREED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE HEARD DURING THE PROCEEDING PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 21, 2025 AT 10:00AM

 

[Cool Cats]

Victim T.R. asked for the court to hear arguments on the Venue Change and the court agreed.

02/27/2025 VICTIM AND VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE T.R.'S MOTION TO EXERCISE HIS RIGHTS TO BE PRESENT AND HEARD AND REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF THIS COURT'S DECISION TO CHANGE THE TRIAL VENUE FILED Attorney: GALLE, MORGAN

02/28/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY SETTING HEARINGS/PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCES -- THIS MATTER CAME BEFORE THE COURT ON MOTION FILED FEBRUARY 27, 2025 BY COUNSEL FOR THE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE; IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A MORE THOROUGH RECORD, THE COURT IS WILLING TO DEVOTE TIME TO CONSIDER ARGUMENTS BY COUNSEL FOR THE VICTIM REPRESENTATIVE; IT IS, THEREFORE, ORDERED AND DECREED THAT THIS MOTION WILL BE HEARD DURING THE PROCEEDING PRESENTLY SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 21, 2025 AT 10:00AM

EXERCISE HIS RIGHTS TO BE PRESENT AND HEARD

A change of venue would make it difficult for the victimn's o be involved in the court process of those being prosecuted

 

[RAISINISBACK]

While I agree the defense attorneys are in a good position, I don't agree at all that the prosecutor has failed miserably. What has happened, after securing 2 good plea agreements and obtaining 1 guilty verdict, the state's case was undermined by a rogue judge who was the second one appointed to the case after the original judge (Judge Deering) retired.

The difference between the two judges and the manner in which the current judge is handling the case is like night and day. Several other prosecutors and judges have also come forward publicly, in the news media, to criticize this new judge, not just for the way he's handling this case, but also the way he has mishandled many cases in the past.

I'll go back in this thread and link the examples for you. It will take a few minutes.

I got off this thread because my opinion was not the popular one. I was on this thread for years and my opinion was respected, valued even. No one wanted all four of them to get the DP more than I did. But as a leopard cannot change its spots, I cannot be unfair in judgement. So, it ended when my logical mind could not accept convicting a man without any evidence. No wanted to consider that Jake and Angie, known liars, lied on the stand.

I knew from almost day one Jake did it. Go back in the threads. I yelled first and yelled the loudest. I debated on here until my fingers had blisters trying to convince everyone the W's were guilty. I ruled out everything thrown on this board from drugs to cartels to stolen cars. I convinced everyone the W's did it so Jake could get custody. I believed Lenny when he said it was over custody. I even convinced CC that even though Angie was a woman she was in on it. I knew Jake was guilty. Control, jealousy, abuse, and custody. Those were Jake's motivations. As common as rain in the springtime. I could see Angie's motivation. Control and custody. I could see Billy's motivation. He loved Angie and did everything Angie wanted him to.

But I never could see why George would risk his son he had full custody of for his brother. He just didn't fit. During George's trial there was reasonable doubt all over the place. I could not have voted guilty on him. Years later, no matter how many times I watch his trial I still can't come to a guilty verdict. I get a sick feeling in my heart every time I hear that guilty verdict.

I remember FW and RW coming to only George's hearings and speaking to him. They never went to Jake or Angie's. Why did they show up for George but not for Angie or Jake? I did a good job convincing everyone that the W's did it. Too good, I think.

I don't believe the judge is biased. I think he is just a logical fair-minded person. I wish George would have gotten him as the judge in his trial.

But once more I will venture MY OPINION ONLY.

Jake- death penalty
Angie- LWOP
George- 20 years eligible for parole in 10
Billy - LWOP or 20 years, no parole.

Since I haven't been on here for years, I may have broken some WS rules. If so, I apologize to the hardworking Moderators.

JMO

 

[RAISINISBACK]

BTW, we all knew Billy would walk. Money, money, money.

Also, I lost hubby last June. I like to think he is up there having coffee with Lenny. Hi to Betty, CC, RSD and Dudley if they are still on here.

JMO