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

[pittsburghgirl]

It’s a small rural county and a very big case with worldwide media coverage. No doubt he’s still paying close attention to the case, it’s impossible to avoid.

It’s just the most bizarre case I’ve ever followed. It’s taking so long with the greatest delays and interference coming AFTER two of the defendants giving highly detailed and credible confessions.

It’s like someone tossed a bomb into the midst of the legal proceedings, disrupting a legitimate legal process that should have been completed by now.
Awith the exception of Prosecutor Canepa, everyone in a position of authority to get the final trial back on track has either stood by silently, doing nothing or actively worked to destroy the plea agreements and set the confessed killers free.

It’s a stunning example of either gross incompetence or corruption, JMO, with no end in sight. Another shocking example of our laws being subverted to suit powerful people.

It’s an every day occurrence in Ohio now, not just with this case, but with many laws and legal cases active in the state. The state government ignores the rulings of its own Supreme Court. Billionaires who are unhappy with a law and an active lawsuit preventing them from moving a professional sports team subsidized by a local government simply arrange the state General Assembly to pass another law stating the owners can move the team anyway.

It wouldn’t be surprising if someone pulled a string and had the Ohio House and Senate pass a law declaring all the Wagners innocent and their confessions null and void. And DeWine would sign it. That’s not an exaggeration, JMO.

If I'm not misremembering, this is the first criminal trial I've followed on WS. My early time here was primarily spent on missing persons cases. But this case was so shocking and the work on this case here was so good that I've followed it closely and watched almost all of George's trial. The only other case I was much interested in was Crystal Rogers--which is still a missing persons case presumed a homicide and only recently came to trial. It took 10 years to get to a guilty verdict with the FBI's help but the people of the town lines the streets to celebrate the conviction--which happened without a body or a manner of death. And in this case, we seem to be going backward.

There are so many cruelties woven into this case, from how the Rhodens and Manleys were treated from the beginning to this new judge essentially allowing a man who killed at least 5 people himself and was instrumental in planning all 8 murders to be eligible for parole. PAROLE. There are people commenting negatively on the Idaho student murders case about a plea deal that included consecutive fixes sentences (LWOP), a burglary charge for 10 years on top of that and no appeals. Some people think only death is enough for that guy, but zero, zip, nada--no appeals. He goes to prison and the door slams shut forever. And Jake Wagner and his family killed 8 people and wiped out a whole family, left kids orphaned and this judge thinks he should come up for parole.

I don't get it. This case haunts me. These 8 people deserve justice.

 

[Tricia]

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[Covert Operative]

If I'm not misremembering, this is the first criminal trial I've followed on WS. My early time here was primarily spent on missing persons cases. But this case was so shocking and the work on this case here was so good that I've followed it closely and watched almost all of George's trial. The only other case I was much interested in was Crystal Rogers--which is still a missing persons case presumed a homicide and only recently came to trial. It took 10 years to get to a guilty verdict with the FBI's help but the people of the town lines the streets to celebrate the conviction--which happened without a body or a manner of death. And in this case, we seem to be going backward.

There are so many cruelties woven into this case, from how the Rhodens and Manleys were treated from the beginning to this new judge essentially allowing a man who killed at least 5 people himself and was instrumental in planning all 8 murders to be eligible for parole. PAROLE. There are people commenting negatively on the Idaho student murders case about a plea deal that included consecutive fixes sentences (LWOP), a burglary charge for 10 years on top of that and no appeals. Some people think only death is enough for that guy, but zero, zip, nada--no appeals. He goes to prison and the door slams shut forever. And Jake Wagner and his family killed 8 people and wiped out a whole family, left kids orphaned and this judge thinks he should come up for parole.

I don't get it. This case haunts me. These 8 people deserve justice.

Tell it..... you are so right. We can only hope Billy gets his hearing aid so he can hear his GUILTY verdict loud and clear when its announced.

 

[Niner]

or GW3
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/22/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY CANCELLING PROCEEDINGS SET FOR JULY 25, 2025 FILED


for GW4 appeal case
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/23/2025 MOTION, ENTRY, AND CERTIFICATION FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL FEES FILED

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=Hq7BRL676e5Ladj6M9NhEw

 

[LMDlong]

or GW3
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/22/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY CANCELLING PROCEEDINGS SET FOR JULY 25, 2025 FILED


for GW4 appeal case
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/23/2025 MOTION, ENTRY, AND CERTIFICATION FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL FEES FILED

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=Hq7BRL676e5Ladj6M9NhEw

IMO this is ridiculous.

 

[twall]

or GW3
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/22/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY CANCELLING PROCEEDINGS SET FOR JULY 25, 2025 FILED


for GW4 appeal case
Docket Information
Date Docket Text
07/23/2025 MOTION, ENTRY, AND CERTIFICATION FOR APPOINTED COUNSEL FEES FILED

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=Hq7BRL676e5Ladj6M9NhEw

When I read this I had Elton John's "Rocket Man" lyrics/song in my head!

And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
Oh, I think it's gonna be a long, long time

 

[Betty P]

When I read this I had Elton John's "Rocket Man" lyrics/song in my head!

And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
And I think it's gonna be a long, long time
Oh, I think it's gonna be a long, long time

Perhaps Billy and his “family” didn’t think Canepa would appeal Judge Heins’ reversing of the plea agreement and sentence for Jake. Maybe they thought Billy would be on his way to being acquitted for his part in killing Chris Sr and Kenneth Rhoden. Didn’t work out that way.

 

[Niner]

I am going to go ahead & post this so I can shorten it up a bit....

Friday, July 25th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing-CANCELLED! (@ 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 (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 54) (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, [Dismissed 11/27/24: (plus gun specifications on each)], (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)
Appeal case #2024CA000931 State of Ohio vs. Wagner, III, George Washington. Case Status: Open File Date 12/2/24. Action: Court of Appeals.
Presiding Judge Jonathan P. Hein. Prosecutors Angela R. Canepa, Seth L. Gilbert & Steven L. Taylor. Defense attorneys Mark C. Collins, Kort Gatterdam & Thomas F. Hayes.
Court of Appeals from 1/10/25 to 3/17/25 Docket reference post #893 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-45
5/2/25 Docket update: Original Appeal filed & copies of trial case set to Court of Appeals. 5/5/25 Docket update: Magistrate's Order-This matter is scheduled for argument on 6/12/25 @ 10am in the Jackson County Courthouse. Copies filed & emailed to Counsel & 4 mailed to Court of Appeals.. 5/19/25 Docket update: Motion, entry & certification for appointed counsel fees.
6/12/25 Update: An appeals court heard arguments on why the prosecution says the death penalty should not have been taken off the table in Billy Wagner's upcoming trial. Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein removed the death penalty last November. He also sentenced Angela & Jake before Billy Wagner's trial, which upset the prosecution. Legal experts say now they've been sentenced, it's possible that Angela and Jake won't take the stand in Billy's trial but their previous statements could still be used. The appellate judges said they'd rule on the appeal at a later date.
6/20/25 Docket update: Application & entry to broadcast, televise, record or photograph proceedings.
Appeal Case #2024CA000932 State of Ohio vs. Wagner, III, George Washington. Court of Appeals. Case Status: Open on 12/9/24. Action: Court of Appeals. Case dismissed on 2/14/25.
Court of Appeals from 1/3/25 to 2/14/25 reference post #893 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-45
Trial was set to begin on 1/6/25 was postponed & no further dates.
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 4/29/25 reference post #893 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-45
6/2/25 Update: Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa filed an appeal Monday in the Ohio Supreme Court after an unsuccessful attempt in an appeals court. Her court filings contend visiting Judge Jonathan Hein abused his discretion by setting aside Wagner’s original plea deal. See link on post #889, page 45, thread #89. Next pretrial hearing on 6/27/25 @ 10am.
6/25/25 Docket update: Judgment entry cancelling proceedings scheduled on 6/27/25. Next pretrial hearing on 7/25/25 @ 10am.
7/22/25 Docket update: Judgment entry CANCELLING proceedings set for 7/25/25 filed.

 

[RAISINISBACK]

What is the progress on George's appeal?

 

[pittsburghgirl]

I think Netflix or Oxygen or Dateline needs to do an update on this case to start some outrage about what's going on.

 

[Betty P]

I think Netflix or Oxygen or Dateline needs to do an update on this case to start some outrage about what's going on.

Excellent idea. Anytime beginning now through the early part of 2026 would be great.
Recent actions make it seem as though the powerful folks at the top would prefer to distract the public from following these cases. When no one is looking, they'll proceed to finish unraveling all the work done with the plea bargains and give everyone a slap on the wrist.

JMO

 

[Covert Operative]

I think Netflix or Oxygen or Dateline needs to do an update on this case to start some outrage about what's going on.

Great Idea. The spotlight needs to be put on Judge Hein and the things he has done to this case.

 

[INfisherman]

Great Idea. The spotlight needs to be put on Judge Hein and the things he has done to this case.

Maybe the powers that be are still dealing with the dumpster fire fallout from the team doctor scandal at OSU ( Dr. Strauss - another Sandusky type of incident involving athletes) then they’ll have time to attend to this other dumpster fire. Can’t have the school taking the grenades it has - too much money involved there & they have a football championship to defend.

 

[Betty P]

Maybe the powers that be are still dealing with the dumpster fire fallout from the team doctor scandal at OSU ( Dr. Strauss - another Sandusky type of incident involving athletes) then they’ll have time to attend to this other dumpster fire. Can’t have the school taking the grenades it has - too much money involved there & they have a football championship to defend.

I think they have midterm elections coming up and don’t want to draw media attention to the dumpster fire Judge Hein has made of this case. They already have enough to deal with re $64 million dollars worth of corruption at the statehouse. Ohio news media is being very, very quiet about all this, so it’s good that national media is covering it.

If you lived in Ohio, you would never hear about any of this. Dr. Strauss, etc are rarely mentioned here.

 

[INfisherman]

I think they have midterm elections coming up and don’t want to draw media attention to the dumpster fire Judge Hein has made of this case. They already have enough to deal with re $64 million dollars worth of corruption at the statehouse. Ohio news media is being very, very quiet about all this, so it’s good that national media is covering it.

If you lived in Ohio, you would never hear about any of this. Dr. Strauss, etc are rarely mentioned here.

Big money from deep pockets are keeping things quiet. I’d never heard of the Strauss incident until the HBO documentary this year.

 

[RAISINISBACK]

If I'm not misremembering, this is the first criminal trial I've followed on WS. My early time here was primarily spent on missing persons cases. But this case was so shocking and the work on this case here was so good that I've followed it closely and watched almost all of George's trial. The only other case I was much interested in was Crystal Rogers--which is still a missing persons case presumed a homicide and only recently came to trial. It took 10 years to get to a guilty verdict with the FBI's help but the people of the town lines the streets to celebrate the conviction--which happened without a body or a manner of death. And in this case, we seem to be going backward.

There are so many cruelties woven into this case, from how the Rhodens and Manleys were treated from the beginning to this new judge essentially allowing a man who killed at least 5 people himself and was instrumental in planning all 8 murders to be eligible for parole. PAROLE. There are people commenting negatively on the Idaho student murders case about a plea deal that included consecutive fixes sentences (LWOP), a burglary charge for 10 years on top of that and no appeals. Some people think only death is enough for that guy, but zero, zip, nada--no appeals. He goes to prison and the door slams shut forever. And Jake Wagner and his family killed 8 people and wiped out a whole family, left kids orphaned and this judge thinks he should come up for parole.

I don't get it. This case haunts me. These 8 people deserve justice.

Jake and Angie should have gotten the DP. Now Jake can get parole. Sometimes it's hard to keep my breakfast down.

Billy should get the DP also.

I think George is the only one of the group that deserves a lesser sentence with maybe possibly of parole.



JMO

 

[RAISINISBACK]

Excellent idea. Anytime beginning now through the early part of 2026 would be great.
Recent actions make it seem as though the powerful folks at the top would prefer to distract the public from following these cases. When no one is looking, they'll proceed to finish unraveling all the work done with the plea bargains and give everyone a slap on the wrist.

JMO

We always knew FW had pull. Boss Hogg strikes again.

JMO

 

[RAISINISBACK]

Great Idea. The spotlight needs to be put on Judge Hein and the things he has done to this case.

I agree 100%.

 

[Niner]

I had a feeling this would happen....

Events
Date Type Event Judge Result
08/22/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT CANCELLED

Docket Information
Date Docket Text
08/19/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY CANCELLING PROCEEDINGS SET FOR AUGUST 22, 2025 FILED

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=0PcQJNTOFRYHwhFgf*2n6w

 

[Betty P]

I had a feeling this would happen....

Events
Date Type Event Judge Result
08/22/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT CANCELLED

Docket Information
Date Docket Text
08/19/2025 JUDGMENT ENTRY CANCELLING PROCEEDINGS SET FOR AUGUST 22, 2025 FILED

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/eservices/searchresults.page?x=0PcQJNTOFRYHwhFgf*2n6w

What are they trying to do? Do they have to wait until the appeals court has ruled?