OH - Pike Co, 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue, 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested #70

[Cool Cats]

Let me apologize for my ignorance. Did Chris Sr. Answer the door for Billy? And where in his house was he killed?

It must be annoying to the Case regulars to suddenly have people hop in and play 20 questions.

This is the time to ask questions. Glad people come on here and care about getting justice after so long. A crazy long time.

Billy set up a fake drug deal with Chris as a means to, in my opinion, get Chris to open the door. Chris was expecting Billy but not expecting George and Jake. George and Jake were hiding out in a truck.

A bullet casing or casings were found on the front porch and in the living room. They started shooting from the porch and continued to shoot in the living room. A bullet was found under the house as well.

BJM said there was blood all over the house and drag marks where they dragged Chris from the living room into the back bedroom.

However, the coroner said Chris could have been shot through a door and if this is true my theory is that Chris was able to make it to the back bedroom, shut the door, then they shot through the door. In this case, the drag marks would be from Gary. Gary was found over Chris's legs in the back bedroom.

 

[Marysmith]

This is the time to ask questions. Glad people come on here and care about getting justice after so long. A crazy long time.

Billy set up a fake drug deal with Chris as a means to, in my opinion, get Chris to open the door. Chris was expecting Billy but not expecting George and Jake. George and Jake were hiding out in a truck.

A bullet casing or casings were found on the front porch and in the living room. They started shooting from the porch and continued to shoot in the living room. A bullet was found under the house as well.

BJM said there was blood all over the house and drag marks where they dragged Chris from the living room into the back bedroom.

However, the coroner said Chris could have been shot through a door and if this is true my theory is that Chris was able to make it to the back bedroom, shut the door, then they shot through the door. In this case, the drag marks would be from Gary. Gary was found over Chris's legs in the back bedroom.

These crimes were all so brutal! I hope the whole family gets life in prison.

 

[Cool Cats]

George Wagner request for bail denied after hearing reveals new details
Time Stamp 1:10

Scheiderer:
So at this location (Chris SR's) we have evidence that a 30 caliber rifle was used at this location. We also have evidence that a Glock 40 caliber firearm was fired and we recovered bullet fragments of the 30 caliber as well as the 40 caliber and a casing from the 40 caliber cartridge.

Canepa:
Ok and I believe you already testified that - that 40 caliber was determined to be fired from a Glock.

Scheiderer:
Correct.

Canepa:
Ok and then you said a 30 caliber - was there an opinion about the projectile from the 30 caliber?

Scheiderer:
Yah it was a metallic cartridge and it was believed to be a military style round like a 7.62 cartridge.

Canepa:
Ok.

Scheiderer:
There was other 30 calibers that were eliminated as potential contributors.

Canepa:
Ok and specifically because that's a little bit heavier weight.

Scheiderer:
Yes it was a - yes it was a heavier - yes.

Canepa:
And can you tell us where were those - where was the ballistic evidence found at scene one?

Scheiderer:
In the living room which is the primary room of the residence and then also on the front porch leading up to the residence.

Canepa:
Ok.

Scheiderer:
And - and underneath the residence there was also a bullet retrieved from the dirt underneath the residence.

 

[Cool Cats]

These crimes were all so brutal! I hope the whole family gets life in prison.

Angela gets 30 years if she testifies truthfully to the prosecution's satisfaction. The 30 years is her plea deal.

Rita Newcomb has to also testify to the satisfaction of the prosecution for the prosecution to recommend a minimal sentence. If she does I predict she will get probation.

12/02/2019

PLEA OF GUILTY -- DEFENDANT HAS ENTERED A PLEA OF GUILTY TO THE STIPULATED LESSER INCLUDED OFFENSE OF COUNT 4, TO WIT: OBSTRUCTING OFFICIAL BUSINESS, 2921.31, M-2

 

[Piffcat]

Again, you all have probably discussed the fact that George Jr. claims he was only present at the end of the killings to protect his brother, Jake, from their dad, Billy. IMO, Billy was going to kill Jake to make it look like this was a murder suicide committed by Jake. The Wagner's would be off the hook and Angela would have full custody of her granddaughter. A nice clean ending, wrapped up in a bow.

Thank you @Cool Cats for the Podcast links. They are very informative.

why would billy want to kill all these people in the first place? sure he may have had a problem with chris sr and gary, what he did is horrible. but i have not heard of him murdering any other teenagers or mothers just for no reason at all. so now he decides ya kno what. im gonnna commit an octuple murder with my son to get custody of my grandaughter. then im gonna murder her father and blame it on him!
im gonna kill 3 ladies, 3 teenagers, and a few other people who were at one time my friend who i now dont like. if thats the case and how it went down what did billy gain?... no way any rational person would commit to these steps and this plan.
billy was doing this for angela and her boys. jake was angelas favorite. billy would never kill him. this was an assault by angela to murder an entire side of <modsnip - minor child's name> family. because she knew hanna couldnt be bought or intimidated like tabitha. this was angelas MO she is a true psycopath, she raised george and jake certainly molded BW into the "man" he is today.
dont let that wagner bs movie stuff dissuade you. billy had no motive and nothing to gain by murdering 8 people and then "passing it off" as a murder suicid which he didnt attend. right after the 2 of them just killed everyone. jakes death at the massacre would never be an "alilibi" in fact once the cops found out about the custody battle ; G4 and billy would be suspect numbers
one! this is about people who thought they had the right and power to indiscrimantly murder those to gain something they just wanted! none of the wagners were afraid of billy killing them; the cult just wanted to kill the rhoden family.

 

[SuziQ]

why would billy want to kill all these people in the first place? sure he may have had a problem with chris sr and gary, what he did is horrible. but i have not heard of him murdering any other teenagers or mothers just for no reason at all. so now he decides ya kno what. im gonnna commit an octuple murder with my son to get custody of my grandaughter. then im gonna murder her father and blame it on him!
im gonna kill 3 ladies, 3 teenagers, and a few other people who were at one time my friend who i now dont like. if thats the case and how it went down what did billy gain?... no way any rational person would commit to these steps and this plan.
billy was doing this for angela and her boys. jake was angelas favorite. billy would never kill him. this was an assault by angela to murder an entire side of <modsnip - minor child's name> family. because she knew hanna couldnt be bought or intimidated like tabitha. this was angelas MO she is a true psycopath, she raised george and jake certainly molded BW into the "man" he is today.
dont let that wagner bs movie stuff dissuade you. billy had no motive and nothing to gain by murdering 8 people and then "passing it off" as a murder suicid which he didnt attend. right after the 2 of them just killed everyone. jakes death at the massacre would never be an "alilibi" in fact once the cops found out about the custody battle ; G4 and billy would be suspect numbers
one! this is about people who thought they had the right and power to indiscrimantly murder those to gain something they just wanted! none of the wagners were afraid of billy killing them; the cult just wanted to kill the rhoden family.

Oh I agree about Angela. She was a master manipulator and convinced them all this was the best way to solve their problem with custody issues surrounding <modsnip - minor child's name>. <modsnip> was the motive. I'm just going by what has been said in court about Billy killing Jake. I will be curious as to what the Defense will present about that.

 

[Caylee Advocate]

Have you ever read anything about AW leaving the military, then having a child before she and BW got married ?

RUMOR that was not true.

 

[Caylee Advocate]

The trial of George Wagner IV begins this week

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The trial of George Wagner IV is scheduled to begin this week in a Pike County courtroom. Wagner, his brother, mother, and father are all accused of planning and executing…

sciotovalleyguardian.com

 

[ohioexpat63]

Angela gets 30 years if she testifies truthfully to the prosecution's satisfaction. The 30 years is her plea deal.

Rita Newcomb has to also testify to the satisfaction of the prosecution for the prosecution to recommend a minimal sentence. If she does I predict she will get probation.

12/02/2019

PLEA OF GUILTY -- DEFENDANT HAS ENTERED A PLEA OF GUILTY TO THE STIPULATED LESSER INCLUDED OFFENSE OF COUNT 4, TO WIT: OBSTRUCTING OFFICIAL BUSINESS, 2921.31, M-2

Rita has nothing to be gained by lying, since AW has already confessed. She may not even be called about the alleged forgery of documents, especially if AW testifies to the forgery and using momma's notary stamp. JMO

 

[ohioexpat63]

With what is known publicly, i cant for the life of me figure out how GW4s defense attornerys are going to put on a defense. Who can they call as witnesses? Theyll try to muddy the evidence on cross and bring in their ballistic and other experts to murk up the prosecution. I cant see them taking more than a couple of days before they rest. He cannot and will not overcome the 2 confessions. LWOP! IMO

 

[Cool Cats]

With what is known publicly, i cant for the life of me figure out how GW4s defense attornerys are going to put on a defense. Who can they call as witnesses? Theyll try to muddy the evidence on cross and bring in their ballistic and other experts to murk up the prosecution. I cant see them taking more than a couple of days before they rest. He cannot and will not overcome the 2 confessions. LWOP! IMO

I just read an article somewhere quoting George's defense as saying they only had 2 witnesses, this was an article from March. The prosecution said they didn't believe it.

I'm sure they have more witnesses by now but I do not think they have alot. Many times a defense mounts it's case by cross examining prosecution witnesses, then rest their case without calling many of their own.

They will have their own experts and what-not, but I agree, they will probably rest their case sooner rather than later.

Right, the defense can't overcome the 2 confessions and now can't pin it on any number of other suspects. When a co-defendant turns on you, your sunk. What can your defense be? Oh, I know.

You went along on 8 murders but shot nobody.

 

[ohioexpat63]

I imagine there isnt a line of character witnesses for the defense. Oh well, they made their bed.....

 

[Niner]

Monday, August 29th:
*Jury – General Voir Dire (Day 1) (@ 9am 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) – for *George Washington Wagner IV (27/now 30) (Jakes’ bro) indicted (11/12/18), arrested (11/13/18), charged (11/15/18) & arraigned (11/28/18) with 8 counts aggravated murder, (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 5th 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. Per Jake’s plea agreement, DP is off the table if his testimony is truthful.
Trial set to begin on 8/29/22 with general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence, etc. Jury selection is expected to take about 2 days, opening statements could start soon after that or there's a possibility they could wait until the Tuesday after Labor Day. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
70 death qualified jurors seated as of 8/19/22. 12 Jurors & 4 alternates will be chosen.
Crime info & court hearings from 11/28/18 thru 7/27/22 including Jury Questionnaires (Day 1-3) 7/5 thru 7/7/22 & Jury Questionnaire Completion (Day 1-3) 7/12 to 7/14/22 & 8/1/22 to 8/5/22 & Jury Voir Dire (Day 1-9) 8/8 to 8/18/22 reference post #966 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-49
8/19/22 Friday, Jury Voir Dire Day 10: The final jury pool stands at 70 with potential jurors. Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa said Friday they have now reached their goal for the jury pool. They were hoping for 40 to 60. The jury will consist of 12 jurors & at least four alternates. Jury selection will be finalized on 8/29/22, the same day Wagner goes on trial.
8/19/22: Sheriff's return on subpoena served upon Sheriff Tracy Evans, Lt. Adam Ball & SA Shane Hanshaw. 8/22/22: Subpoenas issued Randa Hughes, Rita Newcomb, Robert Wagner, Julia Wagner, Katy Wagner, Chris Newcomb, Robin Wagner & Fredericka Wagner.
8/25/22: Supplemental memorandum in support of Motion #96, Motion in Limine on admissibility of statements in violation of the hearsay rule filed by attorney John Parker & Richard Nash. 8/26/22: Motion #107: Motion to strike venire & Motion #108: Motion to strike venire (death scrupled jurors) both filed by John Parker & Richard Nash.
*George Washington Wagner III (47/now 51) – Last pretrial hearing on 2/1/22.
*Edward Jacob “Jake” Wagner (26/now 29) – Plead guilty (4/22/21) to all charges & will be sentenced to 8 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole & will testify in the trials.
*Angela Jo Wagner (48/now 51) – 9/10/21: Plead guilty to a plea deal to Counts 9 thru 22, Counts 1-8 were dismissed. Will be sentenced to 30 years in prison with no early release & has to testify against others at trial.
*Rita Jo Newcomb (65/now 69) – Last Motions hearing on 12/2/19 entered a plea of guilty. Expected to testify in the trials.
*Fredericka Carol Wagner (76/now 80) – 6/26/19 Charges were dismissed without prejudice.

 

[Betty P]

I believe prosecutors have been cautious reporting what they learned from Jake and what was corroborated from the evidence since it's not necessary to pull the trigger to be charged and convicted of the murders. JMO

The prosecution continues to maintain that GW4 was a shooter. They claimed Jake initially tried to claim otherwise early in his proffer, but changed when he was made aware of all the evidence the prosecution has.

Personally, I believe the prosecutors, not the killers. There were three different guns used in the murders that night. GW4 was a killer, JMO. Perhaps he feels he shouldn’t be blamed because…actually, I can’t think like a killer so maybe he’s just a coward who regretted getting caught.

ETA I tend to agree with an observation someone recently made here. If GW4 was truly innocent of the murders, he would have been the first one to make a plea deal with the state. JMHO

 

[Betty P]

The trial of George Wagner IV begins this week

PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The trial of George Wagner IV is scheduled to begin this week in a Pike County courtroom. Wagner, his brother, mother, and father are all accused of planning and executing…

sciotovalleyguardian.com

Looks like GW 4’s attorneys are still violating the judge’s gag order, giving their version of the evidence.

 

[altojack]

So today will be finalising the Jury business but will we hear any opening speaches? Or have we been given any specific date to get opening speeches started? I've it seen anything here on the thread, but could have missed it the last couple of days.

 

[Chelly]

Any suggestions on who to follow for twitter reporting?

 

[altojack]

Any suggestions on who to follow for twitter reporting?

I'm not sure if they are starting today as they are sorting out the Jury.

Sorry can't help with twitter.

 

[ohioexpat63]

Money has dried up. No money on the book for home security. It is at this point yout use fullness is no longer needed

 

[Betty P]

Jury selection begins for George Wagner IV’s trial in Pike County

Defendant George Wagner IV was charged in Pike County Court in the 2016 slayings of the Rhoden family near Piketon.

www.10tv.com

Live stream on Court TV, but its just interviews with experts.

Court TV Live Stream - Your Front Row Seat to Justice

Court TV brings you inside the courtroom for high-profile cases across the U.S.

www.courttv.com

He (Vinnie) says opening statements will be the day after Labor Day. They also said something earlier about jurors being taken out to the roads, crime scenes, etc. Can't say for sure, but it sounds like this will happen early in the trial. Assume they will also visit the trailers, which IIRC, are still kept in storage in Pike County at SO. From 2017:

Trailers from Pike County massacre moved again

For a second time since eight people were killed in Pike County 18 months ago, authorities moved the four trailers where the Rhoden family members were found shot to death.

www.wcpo.com

From the Channel 10 article at the link above, this statement from GW4's attorneys makes no sense, by design I suppose. Look for him to keep confusing the public and jurors about the facts of the case.

Jake Wagner isn't in a position to testify truthfully because he faces the death penalty if he doesn't strictly obey the terms of his plea deal, Parker said.

Excuse me? Jake is in a perfect position to testify truthfully because his life depends on it. He's very motivated to do so.
Rather silly that Parker thinks BCI and Angela Canepa (who have decades of courtroom and criminal investigation experience) don't know when a psycho killer is lying to them. Lol.

Parker knows better, too. He knows the mountain of evidence is stacked against GW4, but he's hoping there are jurors who are easily fooled. He might fool some of the journalists covering this case, but I doubt he'll fool the jurors.

This trial will probably be a real eye-opener for some in the news media who haven't done enough homework on the case or are gullible to stories peddled by those living close to the cross. JMO