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

[Betty P]

I thought a different judge OK'ed the change of venue. So I wonder if judge Hein is against this and will "fight" it?

IIRC, Judge Hein wanted the change of venue. It was the victim's families who had AC appeal it. They lost, so I think its up to Hein now.

 

[Seattle1]

IIRC, Judge Hein wanted the change of venue. It was the victim's families who had AC appeal it. They lost, so I think its up to Hein now.

I recall this being reported in November 2024, but didn't Judge Hein rule on this illegally -- after failing to first consult with the victims?

More recently, (2/9/26), it's been reported that the trial location remains undecided.

My heart remains heavy, especially for the Rhoden matriarch.

2/9/26

Discussions about a possible trial date in October and juror interviews regarding the death penalty took place, but the trial location remains undecided.

Wagner's lawyers confirmed no plea deals have been offered, and Billy Wagner was seen shaking his head in court when the subject arose.

Billy Wagner returned to court for hearing for Pike County massacre

Billy Wagner returns to the Pike County Courthouse for the first time since learning he could once again face the death penalty.

dayton247now.com

 

[Betty P]

I recall this being reported in November 2024, but didn't Judge Hein rule on this illegally -- after failing to first consult with the victims?

More recently, (2/9/26), it's been reported that the trial location remains undecided.

My heart remains heavy, especially for the Rhoden matriarch.

Yes, as the most recent article mentions, the appeals court let stand Judge Hein's decision about change of venue. He just hasn't decided where to move the trial. The courts overturned his other decisions about removing the DP from Billy's charges.

 

[Covert Operative]

I recall this being reported in November 2024, but didn't Judge Hein rule on this illegally -- after failing to first consult with the victims?

More recently, (2/9/26), it's been reported that the trial location remains undecided.

My heart remains heavy, especially for the Rhoden matriarch.

He heard arguments in April 2025, and I thought that was for him to reconsider and announce another decision, even if it is that the trial will be moved. I must have missed something along the way if he decided it a 2nd time and the court of appeals agreed with him. Maybe he did decide again (which I must have missed) that it will be moved after hearing arguments. It sounds like he just needs to announce where?