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

[Niner]

Friday, April 25th:
*Pretrial Conference & Motions Hearing (@ 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 53) (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.
Court of Appeals from 1/10/25 to 2/18/25 Docket reference post #739 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-37
3/5/25 Docket updates: Notice of appearance for Steven L. Taylor & Seth L. Gilbert. Reply Brief of plaintiff-Appellant State of Ohio filed. Copies filed & emailed to counsel & 4 to court of Appeals.
3/10/25 Docket update: Appeal: Supplemental notice of transmission of record filed (to include transcript of hearing held on 9/16/21). 3/17/25 Docket update: Entry-Denying application for reconsideration filed. Copies filed & mailed to Counsel of record & 4 copies to Court of Appeals.
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 1/17/25 reference post #739 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-37
2/14/25 Docket update: Decision & Judgment entry--It is ordered that the Appeal be dismissed & that appellee recover of appellant the costs herein taxed. Copies filed emailed to Counsel & copy returned to Court of Appeals. Check issued by Morgan Galle.
Trial was set to begin on 1/6/25 was postponed & no further dates. @ 9am (should last 8 weeks).
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 2/28/25 reference post #739 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ner-family-members-arrested-89.732618/page-37
3/11/25 Docket update: Defendant's reply to the victim & victim representative's motion to exercise rights to be present & heard & request for reconsideration of Court's decision to change venue filed. 3/17/25 Docket update: Defendant's reply to the victim & victim representative's motion to exercise rights to be present & heard & request for reconsideration of court's decision to change venue filed (original). 3/18/25 Docket update: Victims' notice of intention to exercise right to be heard filed by Morgan Galle. Next pretrial & motion hearing on 3/21/25 @ 10am.
3/21/25 Docket update: Entry to continue hearing scheduled for 3/21/25 until 4/25/25 @10am. Speedy trial time tolled throughout period of continuance. 3/26/25 Docket update: Case 24CA332 returned from Court of Appeals [which was dismissed on 2/14/25].
4/7/25 Docket update: Victim & victim representative T.R.'s motion for designation as victim & request for Judicial notice as victim representative filed by attorney Morgan Galle. 4/9/25 Docket update: Motion, entry & certification for appointed counsel fees.

 

[Seattle1]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915786244828913949

 

[twall]

Billy is not in attendance today.
I can't stand this judge! He treats the female attorneys awful! JMO

 

[Covert Operative]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915786244828913949

I bet he really will put on his show during the trial.

 

[arielilane]

No decision on venue today in another hearing in the #BillyWagner #PikeCountymassacre case. Lawyers devoted two hours to repeating their positions on visiting Judge Jonathan Hein's ruling of last November to move Wagner's case out of Pike County. 1/7


Wagner's lawyers say Wagner would not get a fair trial in Pike County, as the jury pool has been tainted by media attention that dates to April of 2016, when seven members of the Rhoden family and one future member were shot to death. 2/7


The prosecution wants to keep the case in Pike County, arguing that attention to the case has waned over the years and the jury pool is large enough to identify and seat unbiased jurors. 3/7


The attorney for victim family member "T.R." -- named only as a brother of victims in court filings but believed to be Tony Rhoden -- argued that victim families would be denied their right to be present for trial if it is moved far from Pike County. 4/7


A move would create hardship, including cost of travel, cost of hotel rooms, loss of work, need for child care and more, attorney Morgan Galle told Hein. "The more distance the more hardship," she said. 5/7


Galle also argued to allow victim family members to speak about the venue decision, presenting statements from three who were not named in open court. Hein did not rule on that or the overall venue question, but said "I don't intend to limit anybody's rights." 6/7


The next hearing in the case is May 30. Wagner did not attend today's hearing, despite an earlier warrant filed to transport him from the Pickaway County jail to the Pike County courthouse. 7/7

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915802704930082918

The next hearing in the case is May 30.

 

[arielilane]

In Pike County court covering Billy Wagner pretrial- expecting arguments from victims family lawyer about judge decision to change venue and move trial out of Pike County - streaming live on @Local12
⁩

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915766980386165019

So apparently no one went to get Billy Wagner for the hearing. Defense waives his appearance and will continue with the hearing without him.


Now on to arguments of family's motions regarding change of venues - they also filed to officially make "TR" a victim of the crime.


Arguing for the family is Morgan Valle, and she recognized TR as brother of Chris Rhoden, who is Tony Rhoden. Saying he was affected by the crimes and trials "for the rest of his life”


Wagner's defense lawyer says they have no issue with TR being a victim, but says they do not have standing to argue against change of venue. Galle says they do have rights - and Judge Hein asks what they are.


Galle says family was not allowed to be heard when Hein made the change of venue and in that hearing.


Judge Hein asks prosecutor Canepa if the family lawyer now representing state as well on the change of venue issue.


Galle says she does not represent the state and will not - sole purpose to make sure that TR's voice is heard as a victim. All here present victim's perspective about moving the trial.


Hein concerned that there may be more victims than who Galle represents - she says the ones she knows are all in alignment with what the surviving family wants.


Now onto arguments about change of venue - Galle reviews the history. A previous attempt to move under previous judge was denied. Then Hein granted the move last November. The family appealed - appeals court denied it because they don't yet know where trial was going.


One of victims families who wanted to speak couldn't make it because she was tending to the orphans of the killings - has other statements to be read aloud. But defense wants recess to review as they haven't seen them.


Now we're in an informal recess as defense reviews the statements from the family members.


Back in session. Galle argues family right to be present is substantially impeded by decision to move, especially if it's moved far away.


Says moving out of Pike County unfeasible, especially for elderly mother of the victims. Says Tony Rhoden willing to take the stand.


Hein cuts off Galle - stop talking when I'm talking. Says she now needs to be there for the entire trial - you don't have the option to not show up. Galle says she can't be there as she represents 13 counties. Hein says he can't care about that.


Hein: The law is a jealous master. Says once she asked to reconsider a decision he made, she is now is committed to the trial. Says she needs to go back to management and figure it out. Doesn't want second guessing after the fact again - limited representation not happen


Galle now arguing change of venue - says family are blue collar workers, elderly, and it's not possible for them to attend trial out of county, especially if in Columbus or Cleveland.


"There were eight victims who were murdered, that impacted a lot of people." Not feasible to get hotel room for lengthy trial.


Hein: Do I ask for financial disclosures from victims? To make it fair as I ask defendants for that to get representation? Galle: Victims have a right to privacy


Galle: do not believe any choice, the farther the trial is moved away, the less likely the victims have their right to be present.


Hein brings up live streaming, but Galle says both Jake and Angela Wagner declined to be shown on camera when they testified.


Defense: No one advocating the victims have the ability to attend. But no right violated yet. If a federal case, would have to go to Columbus.


Says the New Jersey case cited do not have standing here. Also says this case is a perfect example of one needing to change venue given the impact, the saturation and the first trial. No way to have fair trial in Pike County



Now prosecutor Canepa: Agreed victims' rights not fully represented when moving issue was first argued. Appreciate having victims heard, and asks they fully be considered in maybe changing decision.


Also says they only used 1 percent of Pike County for last jury pool, and more time has elapsed since George Wagner's trial.


First trial was livestreamed, but family still attended in person. They chose to be here - felt it was that important.


the hearing ended with news that the oral arguments on appeal over Hein's removal of death penalty are set for June 12. A decision expected 30-60 days after that, but it could be appealed yet again to Supreme Court.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915808764571119762

My recap from today in Waverly: Family presses judge to reconsider venue switch in Pike Co. massacre trial ⁦
@Local12
⁩

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915871893866827903

Meanwhile, oral arguments regarding the appeal of Hein's decision to remove the death penalty in this case are scheduled for June 12, with a decision expected within 60 days.

Family presses judge to reconsider venue switch in Pike Co. massacre trial

 

[arielilane]

LIVE: Pike County Massacre — OH v. Billy Wagner — Hearing​

 

[Seattle1]

I bet he really will put on his show during the trial.

Insufferable...

 

[twall]

I bet he really will put on his show during the trial.

I was thinking the same thing. I may have to invest in a punching bag to get out my frustrations with him during the trial!

 

[INfisherman]

So the guy spending 20 minutes trying to decide which attorney represents which client & whether or not an additional table is needed is running this trial to help speed things up? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Hein seems to be a master at making mountains out of mole hills at this point.

MOO

 

[Niner]

Billy - docket updates

Docket Information:
Date Docket Text
04/25/2025 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Judge: JUNK, ROBERT
Event: PRE-TRIAL
Date: 06/27/2025 Time: 10:00 AM

04/25/2025 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Judge: JUNK, ROBERT
Event: PRE-TRIAL
Date: 07/25/2025 Time: 10:00 AM

04/25/2025 """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Judge: JUNK, ROBERT
Event: PRE-TRIAL
Date: 08/22/2025 Time: 10:00 AM

Events
Date / Time Type Event Judge (should be Hein)
04/25/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

05/30/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

06/27/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

07/25/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

08/22/2025 10:00 AM PRE-TRIAL JUNK, ROBERT

link: https://cpcourt.pikecounty.oh.gov/e...OksELxPmGJOKzJynmn6Fu*6E0yE0oBglQNORpGtHRm6Og

 

[Betty P]

I bet he really will put on his show during the trial.

I don’t see how they can complete this trial with him in charge. It’s just going to be ongoing turmoil and disruption.

He wants to take over and completely redo all the other cases linked to these murders. That’s not his job, nor is it possible or necessary.

He had no reason or authority to re-litigate the previous cases. He’s made a big mess of everything. Now we’ve got GW 4’s appeal cluttering up the process, too. It’s a feature, not a bug, as they say.

The appeals to removal of the death penalty probably won’t be finished until fall.

Why doesn’t Hein announce the location for the new venue? No decision can be made until it’s known how far families will have to travel.

They had a 2 hour hearing today in which no one brought the defendant and nothing was accomplished other than arguments made regarding the COV.

I’m trying to figure out the strategy of the judge and Billy’s defense team. Is it perpetual delay or a mistrial?

 

[Covert Operative]

I don’t see how they can complete this trial with him in charge. It’s just going to be ongoing turmoil and disruption.

He wants to take over and completely redo all the other cases linked to these murders. That’s not his job, nor is it possible or necessary.

He had no reason or authority to re-litigate the previous cases. He’s made a big mess of everything. Now we’ve got GW 4’s appeal cluttering up the process, too. It’s a feature, not a bug, as they say.

The appeals to removal of the death penalty probably won’t be finished until fall.

Why doesn’t Hein announce the location for the new venue? No decision can be made until it’s known how far families will have to travel.

They had a 2 hour hearing today in which no one brought the defendant and nothing was accomplished other than arguments made regarding the COV.

I’m trying to figure out the strategy of the judge and Billy’s defense team. Is it perpetual delay or a mistrial?

I think possibly when the DP is decided by the court of appeals in favor of the defense or the prosecution, the losing side very well may take it to supreme court at that point. Not sure how long it may take it to make its way through the Supreme Court.

 

[Covert Operative]

So the guy spending 20 minutes trying to decide which attorney represents which client & whether or not an additional table is needed is running this trial to help speed things up? Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

Hein seems to be a master at making mountains out of mole hills at this point.

MOO

He talks for the sake of talking. He tries to school the attorneys on things that there is no need for schooling on. He asks questions of them that makes no sense a lot of times and then when they do not answer the way he wants, he gets his panties in a wad and goes off on some tangent.

He seems to always get at least one dig in on Canepa in each pretrial that is not necessary. He has brought up every time that people have thought she was disrespectful to him. I thought she kept her cool fairly well considering the announcements he made out of the blue about the DP and sentencing of Jake and Angela. He seems to be a good example of being disrespectful, arrogant and not always acting professionally. He definitely thinks extremely highly of himself.

 

[INfisherman]

He talks for the sake of talking. He tries to school the attorneys on things that there is no need for schooling on. He asks questions of them that makes no sense a lot of times and then when they do not answer the way he wants, he gets his panties in a wad and goes off on some tangent.

Oh I noticed. There were also a couple of times where it appeared as if he was winking at the defense team. He’s confrontational for no reason most of the time & seems to enjoy testing an attorney’s knowledge or using them to convey his dislike of certain legalities. He raked the victim’s attorney over the coals about victim’s financial subject matter but didn’t bat an eye over Billy’s 68k hearing solution. What, solid platinum earbuds now? He should be able to hear his son complaining in WI for that kind of money.

He seems to always get at least one dig in on Canepa in each pretrial that is not necessary. He has brought up every time that people have thought she was disrespectful to him. I thought she kept her cool fairly well considering the announcements he made out of the blue about the DP and sentencing of Jake and Angela. He seems to be a good example of being disrespectful, arrogant and not always acting professionally. He definitely thinks extremely highly of himself.

He enjoys testing an attorney’s mettle & knowledge, especially if they’re sitting to his left. Did you observe what looked like him winking at the defense team 2 different times? I wasn’t sure if those were winks or just odd facial ticks.

JMO

 

[LMDlong]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915786244828913949

He is so disrespectful to women .

 

[LMDlong]

I don’t see how they can complete this trial with him in charge. It’s just going to be ongoing turmoil and disruption.

He wants to take over and completely redo all the other cases linked to these murders. That’s not his job, nor is it possible or necessary.

He had no reason or authority to re-litigate the previous cases. He’s made a big mess of everything. Now we’ve got GW 4’s appeal cluttering up the process, too. It’s a feature, not a bug, as they say.

The appeals to removal of the death penalty probably won’t be finished until fall.

Why doesn’t Hein announce the location for the new venue? No decision can be made until it’s known how far families will have to travel.

They had a 2 hour hearing today in which no one brought the defendant and nothing was accomplished other than arguments made regarding the COV.

I’m trying to figure out the strategy of the judge and Billy’s defense team. Is it perpetual delay or a mistrial?

He is wasting a lot of time and money dragging out not announcing the venue. His actions are because someone stood up to him . IMO

 

[Covert Operative]

Oh I noticed. There were also a couple of times where it appeared as if he was winking at the defense team. He’s confrontational for no reason most of the time & seems to enjoy testing an attorney’s knowledge or using them to convey his dislike of certain legalities. He raked the victim’s attorney over the coals about victim’s financial subject matter but didn’t bat an eye over Billy’s 68k hearing solution. What, solid platinum earbuds now? He should be able to hear his son complaining in WI for that kind of money.

He enjoys testing an attorney’s mettle & knowledge, especially if they’re sitting to his left. Did you observe what looked like him winking at the defense team 2 different times? I wasn’t sure if those were winks or just odd facial ticks.

JMO

Yeah, I was not sure either but he does smirk a lot that is for sure.

 

[arielilane]

@cathyrusson


This is the longest discussion about victims' rights in a courtroom I've ever heard.


10:52 AM · Apr 25, 2025

https://twitter.com/x/status/1915781085734084692

 

[Caylee Advocate]

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/pike-county/where-the-pike-county-massacre-case-stands-nine-years-later/