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

  • #1,061
I moved to OH some years ago. I'm a native of another state and metro area that is different from OH. Ohio, JMO, has more government corruption (all states have a little), it's government is not "open", IOW it's difficult to access information about legislative operations, budgets, laws, elected officials, crime, criminals, etc. It has large, powerful political machines and a flawed system of choosing, electing and appointing judges at nearly all levels. There isn't much public oversight and few "guardrails".

Here's a recent article you can read that might give you a better idea of some problems facing the judiciary, albeit this article discusses those relating to gerrymandering. Overall, the concern is that Ohio courts are not always accountable to the public.


I hope this helps.

There have also been problems with branches of government involved in other aspects of investigating and prosecuting crimes. My previous posts had some links to concerns with the Ohio AG, who tried to drop the prosecutions of the 4 Wagners.
Every single state and metro government in the United States of America are not transparent, are difficult to research, have large powerful political machines, flawed judiciary systems, and are certainly not accountable to the public. Lord, our own Federal government lacks transparency and accountability. What made you think state and local governments wouldn't follow suit?

These problems aren't new, nor will they change constantly reading and posting about them..

Again, your original post was very condensending towards Ohioans when the problems are universal throughout America, and have been since the founding of this country.
 
  • #1,062
The Death Penalty for Billy is reinstated. His defense may appeal if possible.


]01/22/2026***CERTIFIED COPY OF COURT OF APPEALS DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY - THE TRIAL COURT'S JUDGMENT THAT DISMISSED THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS IS REVERSED AND THIS MATTER IS REMANDED TO TRIAL COURT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REINSTATE THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS[/td]

Trying to get a copy of the decision with details by the higher court. If so, I will post it.
 
Last edited:
  • #1,063
Here's the docket update on his Appeal case #2024CA000931
Case Status: Closed

Docket information
Date Docket Text
01/22/2026 DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY - THE TRIAL COURT'S JUDGMENT THAT DISMISSED THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS IS REVERSED AND THIS MATTER IS REMANDED TO TRIAL COURT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REINSTATE THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS
COPIES FILED EMAILED AND MAILED TO COUNSEL, COPY RETURNED TO COURT OF APPEALS, CERTIFIED COPY FILED IN TRIAL CASE
01/22/2026 REGULAR MAIL ISSUED
Issue Date: 01/22/2026
Service: REGULAR MAIL
Method: REGULAR MAIL ISSUED

ANGELA R CANEPA
MAILING ADDRESS
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
C/O PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
1970 W BROAD ST., 5TH FLOOR
COLUMBUS, OH 43223
Tracking Number: 000012073

STEVEN L TAYLOR
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
196 E STATE ST
SUITE 200
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012074

SETH L GILBERT
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
196 E STATE ST
SUITE 200
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012075

KORT W GATTERDAM
MAILING ADDRESS
CARPENTER LIPPS LLP
280 PLAZA, SUITE 1300
280 NORTH HIGH STREET
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012076

MARK C COLLINS
MAILING ADDRESS
MARK C COLLINS CO LPA
150 EAST MOUND STREET
SUITE 308
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012077

THOMAS F HAYES
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
65 S LIVINGSTON AVE
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012078

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/e...f4bqec67dV-6hyFcaQXyDjja*vZawNzhbw12Bz6tsJHMA
 
  • #1,064
Here's the docket update on his Appeal case #2024CA000931
Case Status: Closed

Docket information
Date Docket Text
01/22/2026 DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY - THE TRIAL COURT'S JUDGMENT THAT DISMISSED THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS IS REVERSED AND THIS MATTER IS REMANDED TO TRIAL COURT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REINSTATE THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS
COPIES FILED EMAILED AND MAILED TO COUNSEL, COPY RETURNED TO COURT OF APPEALS, CERTIFIED COPY FILED IN TRIAL CASE
01/22/2026 REGULAR MAIL ISSUED
Issue Date: 01/22/2026
Service: REGULAR MAIL
Method: REGULAR MAIL ISSUED

ANGELA R CANEPA
MAILING ADDRESS
SPECIAL PROSECUTOR
C/O PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
1970 W BROAD ST., 5TH FLOOR
COLUMBUS, OH 43223
Tracking Number: 000012073

STEVEN L TAYLOR
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
196 E STATE ST
SUITE 200
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012074

SETH L GILBERT
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
196 E STATE ST
SUITE 200
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012075

KORT W GATTERDAM
MAILING ADDRESS
CARPENTER LIPPS LLP
280 PLAZA, SUITE 1300
280 NORTH HIGH STREET
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012076

MARK C COLLINS
MAILING ADDRESS
MARK C COLLINS CO LPA
150 EAST MOUND STREET
SUITE 308
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012077

THOMAS F HAYES
MAILING ADDRESS
ATTORNEY AT LAW
65 S LIVINGSTON AVE
COLUMBUS, OH 43215
Tracking Number: 000012078

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/e...f4bqec67dV-6hyFcaQXyDjja*vZawNzhbw12Bz6tsJHMA
Thank you both! This is very good news. Justice for the Rhoden & Gilley families!
 
  • #1,065
Thank you both! This is very good news. Justice for the Rhoden & Gilley families!

I did check the "Events" nothing yet - but will my eye open for next hearing date! :)
 
  • #1,066
It is insane that this case hasn't been completely resolved yet. Almost ten years.
 
  • #1,067
The Death Penalty for Billy is reinstated. His defense may appeal if possible.


]01/22/2026***CERTIFIED COPY OF COURT OF APPEALS DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY - THE TRIAL COURT'S JUDGMENT THAT DISMISSED THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS IS REVERSED AND THIS MATTER IS REMANDED TO TRIAL COURT WITH INSTRUCTIONS TO REINSTATE THE DEATH-PENALTY SPECIFICATIONS[/td]

Trying to get a copy of the decision with details by the higher court. If so, I will post it.
This is good news! Maybe there will be accountability yet in this case! IMO
 
  • #1,068
  • #1,069
  • #1,070
This is the written decision from the Higher Court on Billy's DP specifications, to be reinstated.
 

Attachments

  • #1,071
  • #1,072
Thanks, CO!
I would hope that an appeal to Hein's decision on JW and AW cases would result in the same. I'm assuming his decisions are up for appeal also??????
 
  • #1,073
I would hope that an appeal to Hein's decision on JW and AW cases would result in the same. I'm assuming his decisions are up for appeal also??????
There is an appeal on Both JW and AW sentencing. I am not sure if theirs has to be decided and finalized before Billy's trial can begin. At least if the DP reversal stands it would put more pressure on JW to testify in Billy's case I would think. I am not sure hat the Judge would ever hand down the DP to Billy.

I believe the jury in Ohio and most states recommend the sentence in a capital murder case, but the judge does have the final say. I think it has to be a unanimous decision of the jury for DP or it will be life in prison, but the judge could rule otherwise. I could be wrong about all of that, have only researched it a little.

I feel like whatever decisions are handed down there will be more appeals rolling in.
 
Last edited:

Guardians Monthly Goal

Staff online

Members online

Online statistics

Members online
147
Guests online
1,809
Total visitors
1,956

Forum statistics

Threads
638,629
Messages
18,731,436
Members
244,500
Latest member
Xixxiouxi
Back
Top