OH - Pike Co, 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue, 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested #69

[LMDlong]

I think that reason used to be used a lot to get dismissed.

United States Supreme Court Cases on Death Qualification
The Supreme Court held that prospective jurors could not be disqualified from jury service simply because they voiced general objections to the death penalty or expressed conscientious or religious scruples against it.

Interesting.

 

[abeaman02]

Tuesday, August 9th:
*Jury - Individual Voir Dire continues (Day 2) (@ 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. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
8/8/22 through 8/12/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire. (8/8/22: 6 “death qualified” jurors selected).
8/15/22 through 8/19/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/29/22 at 9am - beginning of trial, including general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence & so forth. The jury trial is scheduled for 30 days.
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) 8/8/22 reference post #725 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-37
8/8/22 Monday, Jury Voir Dire Day 1: 1,000 summons sent out. Heard about 40% responded. They need a pool of between 40 & 60 "death qualified" jurors. Those 40 to 60 will be determined through initial questioning which started today. So far, there are 2 in that pool of 40 to 60. Prospective jurors are being questioned one at a time by state & defense. Once that pool of 40 to 60 is complete, those people will return to the Pike County Courthouse on August 29 for large group questioning. Each side gets 6 peremptory strikes. Jurors can be dismissed for cause right now. Trial may NOT be started on 8/29/22. End of day there were 6 “death qualified” jurors selected. Jury voir dire continues on 8/9/22.
*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.

Thank you

 

[Piffcat]

Possibly they will move Jake to a closer jail for trial like they moved George? As you can see from the screenshot, there are jails closer to Pike County. Ross is definitely closer.

Images of Ohio County Maps​

thanks for putting this map up it really drives home the fragmented 88 counties in ohio. i do think the system needs to be changed by grouping counties together for "jury districts" just as fire districts can be combinations of counties. the populations in the smaller counties are not conducive to a proper jury selection number. with the more serious crimes like murder its very likely many locals will have a connection. this shouldnt prohibit them from being on the jury imo. its common sense that local people will have a connection to a local murder. instead of parsing thru a small number of local candidates they should be drawing from a larger, but still regional, jury pool. the criminal laws for murder are the same in all of ohio correct? its just another slight advantage for the murderer when the bar for juror disqualification is so low. killing 8 people is a callus act which showed no regard for human life and any consolation to bring in "fair" jurors will inevitably help the defense. if g4 did not want to be pre judged he should not have murdered 8 innocent people. i doubt youll find any juror who is not shocked and disgusted by this crime. does that mean a jury is impossible to serve? no it shouldnt.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, August 10th:
*Jury - Individual Voir Dire continues (Day 3) (@ 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 was set to begin on 8/29/22 with general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence, etc. but will probably be delayed. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
8/8/22 through 8/12/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire. (6 “death qualified” jurors selected).
8/15/22 through 8/19/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/29/22 at 9am - beginning of trial, including general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence & so forth. The jury trial is scheduled for 30 days.
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) 8/8/22 reference post #742 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-38
8/8/22 Monday – additional info: A potential juror lived in Butler County during the massacre, but she said her stepmother used to work with victim Dana Rhoden. Although that potential juror now works for a police dept. in Pike County & knows prosecutor Rob Junk, she remained in the pool. Another who made the cut said he went to school with Christopher Rhoden Sr. & attended church with Dana Rhoden.
8/9/22 Tuesday, Jury Voir Dire Day 2: No info on what happened. Jury voir dire continues on 8/10/22.
*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.

 

[StrangeOne]

She has been referred to as the mastermind.

I've often wondered if AW has narcissistic personality disorder. It's often characterized by behaviors like: grandiosity and self-importance, strong conviction of being special and unique, a need for admiration and praise just to name a few. Only trained mental health professionals can diagnose someone but she is something if not just evil.

 

[rescuemom]

Does anyone think FW or RW will attend the trial?

They attended George's hearings, however, I don't recall them attending George's hearings after Jake's confession. Be interesting if we could find out if they attend or not.

FW had other people she thought did it and told this to investigators but now things are different. Now she knows her family did it and George was there. So if she does not attend any of the trial I think it will mean she has maybe soured a bit on George.

Wagner said she told the grand jury the names of the people she suspected killed the Rhodens. As she spoke with The Plain Dealer, Wagner wouldn’t elaborate. But she repeatedly, and vehemently, stressed the innocence of her family.
A matriarch's fight: Fredericka Wagner denies …

They are so arrogant they both may attend thinking they might intimidate someone on the jury, JMHO

 

[LMDlong]

They are so arrogant they both may attend thinking they might intimidate someone on the jury, JMHO

FW will send RW to GW‘s trials. FW and RW will attend BW’s trials. JMO

 

[Cool Cats]

They are so arrogant they both may attend thinking they might intimidate someone on the jury, JMHO

They might be intimidated by the jury. In an article I just recently posted Fred said:

Many in this rural community despise her for what her family is accused of doing, she said. A local grocery store refused to take a check with the Wagner name on it, she said.

 

[LMDlong]

That’s if BW does end up going through with his trial after GW trial ends . Jmo

 

[LMDlong]

Going by the evidence so far presented, what would the least amount of time GW could be sentenced to if the jury decides not guilty on the murder charges because he did not shoot anyone ?

 

[LMDlong]

Going by the evidence so far presented, what would the least amount of time GW could be sentenced to if the jury decides not guilty on the murder charges because he did not shoot anyone ?

Not that I believe it will happen.

 

[Cool Cats]

Going by the evidence so far presented, what would the least amount of time GW could be sentenced to if the jury decides not guilty on the murder charges because he did not shoot anyone ?

With all these other charges, if he is convicted of most of them he could be looking at 60 years, at least. Angie got a plea deal to cap it at 30 years but George won't get that deal.

Jake Wagner could receive up to eight consecutive life sentences for the Rhodens’ murders and 160 years imprisonment for the other charges.

George Wagner IV still pleading not guilty after brothe…​

George has 4 counts of aggravated burglary - this alone could be 40 years.

Penalties for first-degree aggravated burglary in Ohio include a prison term ranging from three to 16.5 years and a fine of not more than $20,000. (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2911.11, 2911.12, 2929.14, 2929.18 (2020).) Breaking and Entering Ohio law has a separate crime prohibiting breaking and entering.

Ohio Burglary and Home Invasions Laws - CriminalDefenseLawyer.com​

COUNT 9, CONSPIRACY

COUNT 10, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY SPECIFICATION 1,2,3

COUNT 11, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY SPECIFICATION 1,2,3

COUNT 12, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY SPECIFICATION 1,2,3

COUNT 13, AGGRAVATED BURGLARY SPECIFICATION 1,2,3

COUNT 14, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS ORDNANCE

COUNT 15, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE - Items belonging to the victims,
Phones, Cameras

COUNT 16, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE - Custody Documents

COUNT 17, TAMPERING WITH EVIDENCE - Silencer, Shell Casings, Parts of Hone Security System

COUNT 18, FORGERY

COUNT 19, UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PROPERTY - Cable and Computer Systems, Telecommunications Service, Social Media Accounts

COUNT 20, INTERCEPTION OF WIRE, ORAL, OR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS

COUNT 21, OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

COUNT 22, ENGAGING IN A PATTERN OF CORRUPT ACTIVITY SPECIFICATION 1,2,3

 

[Chris_p_bacon]

Going by the evidence so far presented, what would the least amount of time GW could be sentenced to if the jury decides not guilty on the murder charges because he did not shoot anyone ?

Going by the evidence we know about so far, from either prosecutions statements or during various hearings, I am having trouble seeing how he can get out of any of it.

Ohio Code 2903.01 paragraph B states:
No person shall purposely cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy while committing or attempting to commit, or while fleeing immediately after committing or attempting to commit, kidnapping, rape, aggravated arson, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated burglary, burglary, trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present, terrorism, or escape.

Section 2903.01 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

codes.ohio.gov

if I read this correctly, and I read the charges against him correctly....then being found guilty of any of the 4 Aggravated burglary charges (and since there was a death involved) then he is then guilty of aggravated murder. But correct me if I am not reading or understanding this correctly. Maybe there is something his lawyers understand about this law where they think he can get a better deal going to trial. I am just not seeing it.

It seems like there is enough evidence that he knew about the plot before hand, participated in the actual murders, and assisted covering it up.

 

[StrangeOne]

I hope thats true because I have a hard time believing <modsnip> FW didn't know what was going to happen.

 

[Puzzles8]

Going by the evidence we know about so far, from either prosecutions statements or during various hearings, I am having trouble seeing how he can get out of any of it.

Ohio Code 2903.01 paragraph B states:
No person shall purposely cause the death of another or the unlawful termination of another's pregnancy while committing or attempting to commit, or while fleeing immediately after committing or attempting to commit, kidnapping, rape, aggravated arson, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated burglary, burglary, trespass in a habitation when a person is present or likely to be present, terrorism, or escape.

Section 2903.01 - Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws

codes.ohio.gov

if I read this correctly, and I read the charges against him correctly....then being found guilty of any of the 4 Aggravated burglary charges (and since there was a death involved) then he is then guilty of aggravated murder. But correct me if I am not reading or understanding this correctly. Maybe there is something his lawyers understand about this law where they think he can get a better deal going to trial. I am just not seeing it.

It seems like there is enough evidence that he knew about the plot before hand, participated in the actual murders, and assisted covering it up.

I agree with you. The two aggravated charges (Burglary and Murder) are tied even further together by the Conspiracy Charge.

IMO, whether G4 killed anyone or not, he planned, participated and helped cover up the crimes. He was part of a dark, evil and well defined Conspiracy.

IMO G4 was not dragged along or went to protect anyone, he participated in order carry out the murders out of the Wagner Family loyalty.

It has been pointed out many times that the W4 worked as an insular unit. I can only image what the other 3 might have earlier done in order for G4 to gain sole custody of his son.

G4 owed them...........

JMO

 

[Caylee Advocate]

Id say Chillicothe would be the best and safest place to house JW during his testimony. It is where death row inmates are housed. Who knows, it may be his permanent housing, if not Lucasville.

Any word on jury being potentially sequestered? Too soon?

Problem would be is that Jake hasn't officially been sentenced to "State" custody yet (that nagging DP clause) , so he and Mommy Dearest are in limbo right now. Will they be caught lying? Surely not. Our jail is pretty full, but there's always room for one more I guess. JMO

 

[Caylee Advocate]

I hope thats true because I have a hard time believing <modsnip> FW didn't know what was going to happen.

IMO she didn't know beforehand. I think the perps fooled and used her for years. MOO.

 

[ohioexpat63]

I agree Caylee. I think if she had prior knowledge, or even covered up, she would have been locked up already. AW, and to some extent JW, dont seem like the loyal type.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, August 11th:
*Jury - Individual Voir Dire continues (Day 4) (@ 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 (maybe!) with general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence, etc. (Trial is scheduled for 30 days).
8/8/22 through 8/12/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire. (6 “death qualified” jurors selected).
8/15/22 through 8/19/22 - each day beginning at 9am - individual voir dire.
8/29/22 at 9am –(maybe!) beginning of trial, including general voir dire for the jury, opening statements, evidence & so forth. The jury trial is scheduled for 30 days.
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 1-2) 8/8 & 8/9/22 reference post #764 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...bers-wagner-family-arrested-69.623311/page-39
8/10/22 Wednesday, Jury Voir Dire Day 3: 14 potential jurors a day will come to court. No info on what happened. Jury voir dire continues on 8/11/22.
*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.

 

[Cool Cats]

I agree with you. The two aggravated charges (Burglary and Murder) are tied even further together by the Conspiracy Charge.

IMO, whether G4 killed anyone or not, he planned, participated and helped cover up the crimes. He was part of a dark, evil and well defined Conspiracy.

IMO G4 was not dragged along or went to protect anyone, he participated in order carry out the murders out of the Wagner Family loyalty.

It has been pointed out many times that the W4 worked as an insular unit. I can only image what the other 3 might have earlier done in order for G4 to gain sole custody of his son.

G4 owed them...........

JMO

Quote:

It has been pointed out many times that the W4 worked as an insular unit. I can only image what the other 3 might have earlier done in order for G4 to gain sole custody of his son.

G4 owed them...........

 Intersting to say that George owed them. They were supportive - in their evil way - of George getting custody, and then obviously George was joining in with the family to get Jake custody.

Here is what the other 3 did to help George get custody and to get Tabitha out of the picture:

From Other Acts Evidence