GUILTY OH Pike Co., 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue, 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested #62

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PIKE COUNTY, Ohio —

A town woke up one morning to the horror that eight people were brutally killed. The Rhoden family suffered an unthinkable loss eight times over on one late April night in 2016. And years would go by before an arrest was made, and the massacre of an entire family still haunts Pike County, Ohio to this day. The murders of the Rhoden family still haunt small Ohio community


Audio 911 Calls


PRESSER: APRIL 27, 2016

Video Interview with Attorney General DeWine Published 8-13-16


Minors: You may discuss what is covered in the main stream media regarding the custody of minor children. If posting snips from articles regarding the children please redact their names. These babes are innocents. One day they will google their names or those of their parents. And plenty will come up. Let's be respectful of them and the catastrophic loss they have suffered at such tender ages. Thanks.

DO NOT SLEUTH STILL LIVING FAMILY MEMBERS' FACEBOOK PAGES AND POST ABOUT IT HERE. Just don't mention it. Period.

Leave the politics, both national and local, at the door. There is no room for them here.

Rules Etiquette & Information


MEDIA, MAPS & TIMELINE LINKS *NO DISCUSSION*

CASE NOTES (courtesy of cujenn81) this link contains locations, distance, victim info, relationships and more.

CASE MAP (courtesy of K.L.Puyallup)

Preliminary Autopsy Reports
Final Autopsy Reports
source article

Thread #33 Thread #34 Thread #35 Thread #39 Thread #40 Thread #41 Thread #42 Thread #43 Thread #44 Thread #45 Thread #46 Thread #47 Thread #48 Thread #49 Thread #50 Thread #51 Thread #52 Thread #53 Thread #54 Thread #55 Thread #56 Thread #57 Thread#58 Thread #59 Thread #60 Thread #61
 
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Updated Timeline - Rhoden Family Murders - updating 2/5/2019

November 2001

George Wagner III indicted on 3 felony counts for receiving stolen property
Pike County: Father accused in Rhoden massacre faced prior felonies

2009
George Wagner III and Angela Wagner charged with felony tampering with evidence. Charges dismissed by Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk, who doesn’t recall the reason why.
Pike County: Father accused in Rhoden massacre faced prior felonies

2012 - AG DeWine issued press release announcing LE had discovered “a major marijuana grow site”in Pike County with suspected ties to a Mexican drug cartel. During the discovery, 1200 plants were destroyed by investigators and two abandoned campsites were located, which they believe had belonged to Mexican nationals.

From <Media & Timeline NO DISCUSSION - Pike Co, OH 8 Family Members Murdered>

2013

November 2013
Birth of daughter Sophia to Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden. They lived together much of the time until 2015, at Hanna’s home or the Wagner’s
Pike County investigation: 8 deaths and multiple arrests were tied to one key factor — child custody

2014

Jake Wagner began hacking, etc. victims’ phones, computers and social media accounts according to indictment
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...Prosecutions/PikeCountyMurderIndictments.aspx

2015

March 2015

Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden end their relationship
Exhaustive investigation leads to break in Pike County murder case

May 2015

Frankie and Chris Rhoden, Jr get in a fight with another driver at a local demolition derby.
Violent Rhoden Brothers Met a Violent End in Ohio Massacre

August 2015
Hanna Rhoden becomes pregnant with her second child, Kylie

2016

January 2016

Wagner 4 begin plotting to murder the Rhoden family, per indictments
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...Prosecutions/PikeCountyMurderIndictments.aspx

February 2016
Box of marijuana discovered at Piketon Post Office, investigation leads to discovery of "shatter" operation

March 21, 2016
Chris Rhoden, Sr. purchases property and home at 3122 Union Hill Rd. for his ex-wife Dana Rhoden, where she lived with their children Hanna Mae Rhoden and Christopher Rhoden, Jr.
Properties released to family of Pike County victims

Two to three weeks prior to murders: Leonard Manley claims Jake Wagner and his father tried to get Hanna M Rhoden to sign documents giving custody of her daughter Sophia to Jake Wagner.


April 3, 2016

Rita Newcomb forged custody documents related to Sophia, daughter of Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden
Billy Wagner to answer to charges for Rhoden, Gilley murders in Pike County

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...ecutions/PikeCountyAdditionalIndictments.aspx

April 7, 2016

Purchase made at Walmart – photo and receipt later retrieved by BCI and presented as evidence for murder indictments

Jan 17, 2019 Discovery Evidence Summary

April 15, 2016

Wagner family alleges Hanna Rhoden dropped off her daughter Sophia at their home. This conflicts with other reports that Jake Wagner picked up Sophia around 10:30 pm April 21.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Hanna Rhoden gives birth to Kylie Rhoden at Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth, OH

Get Access

Monday, April 18, 2016

Photos of Hanna Rhoden in hospital with daughter Sophie and new baby Kylie

Graves: My wish for the Rhoden babies

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 - Woman sentenced in road rage incident court case involving Chris Jr.

From <OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) #5>

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Thursday, April 21, 2016

8 am: Dana arrives at work - Hillcrest Nursing Home, Peebles, OH

10:30 pm – Jake Wagner is reported to have picked up Sophia from Hanna Rhoden, a day earlier than usual

11pm: Dana leaves work - Hillcrest Nursing Home - 14 miles away per CNN

Approx 11:20 pm - Dana arrives home

Friday, April 22, 2016

1 am: April Manley, sister in law of Dana Rhoden, allegedly exchanges text messages with Dana. This information has never been confirmed by LE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf4ObgRJ_Xo[/video

2 am: James Manley later told by LE that he received a text from Jake Wagner, ex-boyfriend of Hanna Rhoden. LE has never confirmed this.
Pike County Murders: Father says it’s like ‘tearing the scabs off us’

Between 1 am and 7 am - the following were murdered

  • Christopher Rhoden, Sr. (age 40): Nine (face, torso, extremities).
  • Dana Rhoden (age 37): Five (head).
  • Hannah Gilley (age 20): Five (head)
  • Christopher Rhoden, Jr. (age 16): Four (head).
  • Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden (age 20): Three (head). Two were “contact wounds” as indicated by soot from the gun on his skull.
  • Gary Rhoden (age 37): Three “contact” wounds (head).
  • Hanna Rhoden (19): Two (head).
  • Kenneth Rhoden (age 44): One (right eye).

Rhodens shot in head at point-blank range

7:15 am: Bobby Jo Manley, sister of Dina Rhoden, arrives at Chris Sr.'s property to feed his animals. She says she was with two friends, identities have varied, not confirmed.

7:15 to 7:40?: She uses a key to unlock the front door and sees the bodies of Gary & Chris Rhoden Sr. Exact time not known

Pike County: 'I was not leaving those babies in there'


7:49 am: Bobby Jo calls 911 Ibid.
Audio of call



7:53 am: PCSO Dep. Music and Dep. Chandler are dispatched to 4077 Union Hill Road in response to the 7:49 am 911 call from BJM. Ibid.

Approx 7:55 am: Billy Jo Manley runs next door to trailer of Frankie Rhoden & Hannah Gilley. Door is locked, she hears toddler inside, asks him to open the door. She then discovers the bodies of Frankie & Hannah. She takes the children outside to her car.
Ibid.

7:15 - 7:53 am: Sometime after discovering the bodies, Billy Jo Manley calls her brother James Manley. He and his son go to the home of Dana Rhoden and discover she is dead. According to his wife, James doesn't go further into Dana's home, though he can see her legs and hear a baby crying.
Ibid

8:07 am: Deputy Chandler arrived "at a neighboring residence where he was flagged down by a subject. Deputy Chandler advised that he needed multiple ambulances due to multiple down at multiple residences."

8:12 am: Deputy Music, Deputy Ball, and Major Evans all arrived "on scene" where they were approached by [Redacted] (later revealed it was James Manley) who stated: "there are two more dead people here." [Redacted] pointed to the residence at 4077 Union Hill.

From <OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) #5>

8:07 am - 8:17 am: Time of death declared for victims.

8:21 am: PCSO request for assistance sent to BCI

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/22/us/ohi...g-pike-county/
OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) #5

12:13 pm: at least 4 BCI Crime Scene Unit trucks are seen at the intersection of Hwy 32 and Union Hill Road headed towards the crime scenes. (Source: tweet including a photo made by Gannett Ohio reporter @saranealeigh)

http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/22/us/ohi...g-pike-county/

OH - Pike County: 8 people from one family dead as police hunt for killer(s) #5

1:26 pm Friday: Donald Stone calls 911 to report discovery of Kenneth Rhoden’s body

LISTEN: 911 calls from Pike County mass killing

Audio of call
911 call: April 22 in Pike County. 1:26 p.m.

1:36 pm -- Ohio AG Mike DeWine issues a press release: 7 people murdered in "execution-style killings"
http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/22/us/ohi...g-pike-county/

1:49 pm - Time of death listed for Kenneth Rhoden

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/s...-family-death-certificates-released/85051602/

Saturday, 4/23/2016

Abt 3 - 4am - LE arrives at Bobby Jo Manley's residence to question her; 5 others also questioned
Pike County Murders: Father says it’s like ‘tearing the scabs off us’

Kenny Rhoden (cousin) calls 911 in Greenup Co, KY stating he is being chased by a green Chrysler in South Shore, KY.
'I fear for my life,' Rhoden family member tells 911 | Ohio News

Businessman Jeff Ruby offers $25,000 reward
Jeff Ruby offers $25K reward for Pike Co. killer

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Autopsies performed by Hamilton County Medical Examiner in Cincinnati, OH
https://mgtvwcmh.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/pike-county-final-autopsies-redacted.pdf
http://nbc4i.com/2016/09/23/attorney-general-releases-autopsies-for-rhoden-family-members/

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Funeral for Gary Rhoden, South Shore, KY
Family honors first of 8 Pike County victims at service


Jake Wagner files for custody of Sophia, age 2, his daughter with Hanna Rhoden

Court docs: Suspect filed for custody of child at heart of Pike County investigation days after slayings

Friday, April 29, 2016

Businessman Jeff Ruby withdraws his reward of $25,000. News reports say he was advised not to discuss the withdrawal
Cartel concerns behind Jeff Ruby's withdrawal of $25K reward

Saturday, April 30, 2016
Funeral for Hannah Gilley in Ottway, OH
Hannah Gilley, 20, laid to rest near her childhood home

Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Funeral for Rhoden family - Chris Sr, Dana, Frankie, Hanna, Chris Jr. and Kenneth
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news...always-scar-this-town/yRPTKlTHsLqHb2kAg3M2lN/

Thursday, May 12, 2016
Trailers of family members Chris Rhoden Sr, Frankie Rhoden & Kenneth Rhoden were sealed and moved to storage at Hasdell Chemical Co. in Waverly, OH. Dana Rhoden’s trailer was moved later, on Sunday, May 15.

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...nty-mobile-homes-moved-crime-scenes/84288652/

Friday, May 13, 2016

PCSO/BCI conducts a video interview of Jake Wagner

OH Pike County: 8 in Rhoden Family Murdered Over Custody Issue 4 Members Wagner Family Arrested#41

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

AG Mike DeWine claims Rhoden family trailers and homes were moved to preserve evidence and to protect the family’s possessions that remain inside. Real property and remaining outbuildings, etc. are released to surviving family members.
Properties released to family of Pike County victims

Friday, May 25, 2016

PCSO/BCI conducts a video interview of Jake Wagner

Jake Wagner appears in court, some evidence turned over to his attorneys
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/attachments/upload_2019-1-8_20-5-19-jpeg.163299/

Friday, May 27, 2016

Death certificates released to news media
http://www.chillicothegazette.com/s...-family-death-certificates-released/85051602/

Times of death (preliminary) :

8:07 am Chris Rhoden, Sr, Gary Rhoden

8:11 am Frankie Rhoden, Hannah Gilley

8:17 am Dana Rhoden, Hanna Rhoden, Chris Rhoden, Jr.

1:49 pm Kenneth Rhoden


Thursday, July 21, 2016

Pike County Sheriff announces a $10,000 reward, 10 weeks late, after it was approved
Rhoden murder reward announced - 10 weeks late

Tuesday, July, 26, 2016
Coroner, attorney general refuse to release final autopsies in Pike County killings

Coroner, attorney general refuse to release final autopsies in Pike County killings

August 2016

Jacob Wagner, father of Hanna Rhoden's older daughter, lists his family farm for sale. Location is 260 Peterson Rd, Peebles, OH

Sometime after murders and before May 2017 raid on Wagner properties, it is determined through testing that JW is not the father of Hanna Rhoden's second child.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...-away-scene-rhoden-family-massacre/101600436/

Monday, August 8, 2016

Columbus Dispatch files lawsuit against Pike County Coroner’s office saying it is improperly withholding final autopsy results.

Coroner, attorney general refuse to release final autopsies in Pike County killings

Friday, September 9, 2016

PCSO/BCI conducts an audio interview with George Wagner III

Jake Wagner appears in court, some evidence turned over to his attorneys

Friday, September 23, 2016

Ohio AG releases heavily redacted final autopsy reports

Ohio AG releases redacted Rhoden autopsy reports

Attorney General releases heavily redacted Pike County autopsy reports

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

PCSO/BCI conducts an audio interview with Angela Wagner
Ibid

2017

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Ohio Supreme Court agrees to hear lawsuit case of Ohio newspapers seeking to view unredacted final autopsy reports
https://www.foxnews.com/us/ohio-court-will-hear-debate-on-autopsies-of-8-family-members

Tuesday, March 10, 2017
Jake Wagner's Peterson Rd house sells for $165,000

Thursday, April 13, 2017

PCSO/BCI conduct an audio interview with Jake Wagner
https://local12.com/news/local/jake-wagner-appears

Friday, April 21, 2017

Rhoden family members plead with public for tips to solve murders
https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170...members-plead-for-tips-to-solve-massacre-of-8

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Pike County LE place a GPS tracking device on truck owned by James Manley, brother of Dana Manley Rhoden. LE claims it was placed there because the truck was related to an aggravated murder case

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...ng-pike-county-massacre-case-court/101773632/

Friday, April 28, 2017

11:35 am - James Manley finds and removes tracking device and destroys it

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...ng-pike-county-massacre-case-court/101773632/

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

PCSO/BCI conducts an audio interview with Jake and Angela Wagner

https://local12.com/news/local/jake...rt-some-evidence-turned-over-to-his-attorneys

Approx. May 5, 2017

Jacob Wagner asks ___ Brown if he can store some trailers on his property. He tells him his farm is sold and he and his brother have found good paying jobs “up north” and are moving there. He needs to move out of farm for new owners. JW drops off 3 trailers at the Brown property “a week before the search

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/ne...assacre-more-search-details-emerge/101713414/

Monday, May 8, 2017

PCSO/BCI conducts audio interview with George Wagner III
https://local12.com/news/local/jake...rt-some-evidence-turned-over-to-his-attorneys

Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Jake Wagner stopped his activities related to intercepting, wire, oral or electronic communications, per Count 20 of his Indictment

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...Prosecutions/PikeCountyMurderIndictments.aspx


May 10, 2017
BCI search at 260 Peterson Rd

May 5 - May 12, 2017
Sometime after dropping off 3 trailers loaded with furniture and personal possessions, Jacob Wagner and family leave the area. Later posts on FB show photos of them in a location resembling areas in Alaska or Canada.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Abt 11 am - PCSO, BCI, Adams County SO, Ohio Dept. of Corrections STAR and other Ohio LE agencies conduct a search at properties related to Jacob Wagner & family.

260 Peterson Rd, Peebles, OH - farm formerly owned by Wagner's parents, where JW resided with his mother, father, brother, daughter Sophia Rhoden Wagner and daughter of his brother George.


Unlimited Motors, St Hwy 41, Peebles, OH - Auto repair business and farm of ___ Brown, friend of J Wagner.
Ibid

Saturday, May 13, 2017
LE team PCSO, BCI) raids Flying W Farms. Franklin County Sheriff's office assists. Franklin County claims their SWAT team accompanied the raid, saying they had an arrest warrant. FCSO later retracts the statement. A neighbor of Flying W Farms who witnessed the vehicle caravan entering and leaving the property is interviewed, claiming there was a SWAT vehicle and an ambulance present.
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/new...elative-charged-evidence-tampering/101747576/

http://www.cincinnati.com/videos/news/2017/05/16/rhoden-investigation-intensifies/101759968/

From <https://www.websleuths.com/forums/threads/media-timeline-no-discussion-pike-co-oh-8-family-members-murdered.306329/page-8>

PCSO/BCI conducts an audio interview with Angela Wagner

https://local12.com/news/local/jake...rt-some-evidence-turned-over-to-his-attorneys

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

PCSO/BCI conduct audio interview with Angela Wagner

https://local12.com/news/local/jake...rt-some-evidence-turned-over-to-his-attorneys

May 18, 2017
BCI searches a Ford Excursion, retrieves items for testing and submitted as evidence

Jan 17, 2019 Discovery list

June 8, 2017

BCI searches trash at Days Inn, Jackson, OH (presume this hotel where GW3 and family stayed)

https://html2-f.scribdassets.com/5zbix3y0ow6tp04l/images/7-f66b74f151.jpg

June 19, 2017
AG DeWine and Sheriff Reader make public appeal for information about Wagner family

https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170...n-about-family-regarding-pike-county-slayings


June ? 2017

Wagner family leaves Ohio to eventually end up living in Kenai, AK



July 2017

Wagner family has some kind of possible real estate transaction in Montana

(Need link to discovery document)

July 13, 2017
Search of property on Bethel Hill Rd, Piketon, OH; near Flying W Farms.
(link to discovery document) Jake Wagner Supplemental discovery evidence list Jan 17, 2019

Thursday, December 14, 2017
Ohio Supreme Court rules against Columbus Dispatch and Cincinnati Enquirer in lawsuit to release unredacted final autopsy reports
https://www.timesgazette.com/news/22296/ohio-high-court-shields-autopsy-reports-in-rhoden-case

2018

April 15, 2018

Wagner trailer search (location unknown)
Jan 17, 2019 Discovery list

April 19, 2018
Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk says Wagner family remains the focus of the Rhoden/Gilley murder investigation
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/ne...investigation-stands-after-2-years/531686002/

Spring 2018
Wagner family members return from AK to Flying W Farms and later South Webster, OH. George Wagner IV returns later, arriving before the arrests

Per AG DeWine press conference at time of arrests

Approx. July 2018

Grand Jury is seated in Pike County to hear evidence and testimony in the Rhoden/Gilley murder case
https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/custody-fight-key-pike-county-case/aIKzRHo4MOwwNc4x9IvkyO/

July 14, 2018
Fredericka Wagner testifies before the Pike County Grand Jury regarding purchase of bullet-proof vests, among other evidence.
https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5782209-Motion-to-Dismiss-Fredericka-Wagner-Charges.html

Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Rita Jo Newcomb testifies before the Pike County Grand Jury, later charged with perjury and obstructing justice
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...ecutions/PikeCountyAdditionalIndictments.aspx

Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Fredericka Wagner testifies before the Pike County Grand Jury, later charged with perjury and obstructing justice

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...ecutions/PikeCountyAdditionalIndictments.aspx

Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Unredacted preliminary autopsy reports of Rhoden/Gilley victims released for viewing by news media. Complete final autopsy reports remain heavily redacted

https://www.wcpo.com/news/state/sta...reporters-to-inspect-slain-family-s-autopsies


Thursday, October 11, 2018
Registered mail to George Wagner IV pertaining to custody agreement delivered to him at South Webster, OH
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...amily-arrested-43.421692/page-5#post-14792043

Tuesday, October 31, 2018
Investigators gathered the final piece of evidence – a silencer
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/ne...alks-investigation-and-whats-next/2012179002/

BCI search of well at 260 Peterson Rd – retrieved silencer
Jake Wagner Supplemental Discovery Evidence List Jan 17, 2019

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Lab experts completed examination of the silencer
Ibid.

Monday, November 12, 2018
Grand Jury hands down murder charges against 4 Wagner family members and forgery, obstruction of justice and other charges against Rita Jo Newcomb and Fredericka Wagner
Ibid.

Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Indictments filed, bringing charges against:
George Wagner III, Angela Jo Wagner, George Wagner IV, Edward "Jake" Wagner, Fredericka Wagner and Rita Jo Newcomb. Arrests of all were made the same day
https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...cial-Prosecutions/PikeCountyMurderIndictments

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov...ecutions/PikeCountyAdditionalIndictments.aspx

Indictments allege George Wagner III, George Wagner IV, Angela Wagner, Jake Wagner and Fredericka Wagner plotted revenge against Ohio AG Mike DeWine and Pike County Sheriff Charles Reader

https://www.chillicothegazette.com/...-bond-made-rhoden-family-massacre/2010483002/

Wednesday, November 14, 2018
AG DeWine says custody battle was at the center of the Rhoden/Gilley murders
https://www.wlwt.com/article/6-arre...-killing-of-8-in-pike-county-ag-says/25055118

George Wagner III waives extradition from KY, where he was arrested
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-ne...-billy-wagner-waives-extradition-1/1596958670

November 15 - December 5, 2018
All suspects indicted in connection with Rhoden/Gilley murders arraigned on charges and plead not guilty
https://www.tdn-net.com/top-stories/53228/last-rhoden-murder-suspect-arraigned

Link to Pike County Clerk of Courts/Case Dockets
For information about charges, hearing schedules, docket, etc.
https://www.pikecountycpcourt.org/e...3slFUypQdLsM-OrQTOL3MTawuVIJicCV6NlLEK2J3s3aQ
 
I feel a bit drained now after 5 years of intensely following this case. Was it a mistake to study it so closely? Why does it bother me so much now? The emotion of it?

I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it.
 
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I feel a bit drained now after 5 years of intensely following this case. Was it a mistake to study it so closely? Why does it bother me so much now? The emotion of it?

I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it.
Thank you. I thought I was the only one who felt that emotionally invested in this case. Relieved to hear I'm not alone. Not really sure what it was about this case particular. For a time thinking it potentially would never be solved and now the hope that with the plea the families finally have closure. Following for so long makes that connection to those families much stronger. Still a little stunned honestly and to finally fit the last pieces of this crazy puzzle together. We all have thoughts on why JW decided but self preservation is at the heart of it. JMO
 
Thank you. I thought I was the only one who felt that emotionally invested in this case. Relieved to hear I'm not alone. Not really sure what it was about this case particular. For a time thinking it potentially would never be solved and now the hope that with the plea the families finally have closure. Following for so long makes that connection to those families much stronger. Still a little stunned honestly and to finally fit the last pieces of this crazy puzzle together. We all have thoughts on why JW decided but self preservation is at the heart of it. JMO

Thank you so much....appreciate your entire post...

Your post makes me feel better. It's sad and hard to explain these feelings that I never expected to have.
 
I feel a bit drained now after 5 years of intensely following this case. Was it a mistake to study it so closely? Why does it bother me so much now? The emotion of it?

I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it.

I think I can understand how you feel. I thought I'd feel relief, too. I never expected JW to plea. I expected him to fight tooth and nail and go to trial, protesting his innocence the entire time, with a smirk on his face. I was hoping to see the look on his face when he was judged guilty and was then sentenced to the DP. That would have felt like justice to me because it would have been justice to the fullest extent of the law in Ohio. I felt his three family members would also be convicted and would receive the DP, too.

In my heart, I know his plea will spare the family members of the victims from having to endure four separate trials. They deserve whatever comfort they can get as they have been through unimaginable hell for years and LWOP is justice to the fullest extent of the law in many states.

This is JMO, but if Ohio did not have the DP, I don't think that JW would have ever confessed. I think Normajean said it very well:

"We all have thoughts on why JW decided but self preservation is at the heart of it. JMO"

All JMO
 
Thank you so much....appreciate your entire post...

Your post makes me feel better. It's sad and hard to explain these feelings that I never expected to have.
Your post did the same for me. I remember back at the beginning the families and the town itself dealt with alot of just morbid curiosity. It's a fascinating case. But the people here who stayed with it became emotionally invested in seeing this through. This forum is such a great outlet for all of us to share the way this case affected us. My family has been listening to my theories for the past 5 years! I literally recall telling my husband about the dogs. I was always hung up on that and thought it had to be someone who knew the family and wanted revenge. Never could have imagined how twisted the story would become.
 
I think I can understand how you feel. I thought I'd feel relief, too. I never expected JW to plea. I expected him to fight tooth and nail and go to trial, protesting his innocence the entire time, with a smirk on his face. I was hoping to see the look on his face when he was judged guilty and was then sentenced to the DP. That would have felt like justice to me because it would have been justice to the fullest extent of the law in Ohio. I felt his three family members would also be convicted and would receive the DP, too.

In my heart, I know his plea will spare the family members of the victims from having to endure four separate trials. They deserve whatever comfort they can get as they have been through unimaginable hell for years and LWOP is justice to the fullest extent of the law in many states.

This is JMO, but if Ohio did not have the DP, I don't think that JW would have ever confessed. I think Normajean said it very well:

"We all have thoughts on why JW decided but self preservation is at the heart of it. JMO"

All JMO

I agree 100% @molly1255 thanks for your post.
Your post did the same for me. I remember back at the beginning the families and the town itself dealt with alot of just morbid curiosity. It's a fascinating case. But the people here who stayed with it became emotionally invested in seeing this through. This forum is such a great outlet for all of us to share the way this case affected us. My family has been listening to my theories for the past 5 years! I literally recall telling my husband about the dogs. I was always hung up on that and thought it had to be someone who knew the family and wanted revenge. Never could have imagined how twisted the story would become.
Your Quote @Norrmajean

"This forum is such a great outlet for all of us to share the way this case affected us."

Yes! Aftsr 5 years we need a place to say how we feel. I appreciate it more than words can say.
 
I feel a bit drained now after 5 years of intensely following this case. Was it a mistake to study it so closely? Why does it bother me so much now? The emotion of it?

I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it.

You get the hang of it.

This horrible nightmare of a crime had a long overdue, but positive outcome. If you focus on a goal of seeing justice for the victims and their family and friends, you should feel relieved. Jake pleaded guilty to every single charge filed against him. Nothing was exaggerated by the state, it was all accurate.

It's traumatic to finally learn all the details of the crimes, the planning, the lies the collateral damage. At the same time you have to appreciate the relief now felt by the investigators, prosecutors and victim's families to finally lay down their burdens and expose the killers for who they are.

Mostly, it's about all of them, not us.

If it makes us feel better, we saw and experienced only a small fraction of the trauma experienced by the survivors and those who worked on the investigation. I hope they've all found peace and support.

We did our little part, hopefully, by keeping the case and the facts before the public, rallying support for those not here to defend themselves. We've tried to do it in the most thoughtful, constructive and supportive way possible.
 
I hardly know what to think anymore, who to believe or which way to turn. This case has consumed way too much of me in so many different ways for the past five years. I asked myself the other day if it was worth it and I couldn't honestly say. It has affected my life in so many ways, and it's no one's fault but mine. I was moved by these murders and hope I have done much good here, but at the same time, I lost so much family time that can never ever be reclaimed. I just try to think it is all as it's supposed to be, at this day in my life. The victims came known to me that horrible day for some reason, unknown to me, and their survivors continue to hold special places in my heart. Let us never give up on Justice in this case. Eight lives were taken. At least four humans need Wrath. May we have patience.
 
What really amazes me about this case is how little information has been leaked from LE sources. All we k own is what LE and prosecutors want us to know. After 5 years and in a world of digital media, I find that amazing.
 
I can relate to what CC said: "I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it."

When I learned about the plea deal I was briefly elated because, without having trials, all 4 were being identified as being guilty and that seemed like some sort of justice and winning and an "ending." Briefly elated; as in a moment or two... because then I realized there was nothing to be elated about... something was missing and there was no real ending to it all. Logically, I knew this already but suddenly I was hit with the reality... there is no "winning" or reason for celebration. The circumstances for the Wagners has changed but nothing changes for the Rhodens and Hannah. It's a true "story" and they still don't get to come home. Their families are still going to be heartbroken."

I was confused and I'm still confused about how I feel. The closest I can come is,
"The murderers have been formally named by one of their own... but the people they killed are still gone forever."
Then I became really sad and, for now, that's where I'm stuck.
 
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I have always gravitated to true crime. Books, documentaries, blogs. I have been drawn to the....I am not sure how to put it in to words...what makes them tick, I guess.

This case was different. I can remember where I was the day the news broke. I have followed this case ever since. Something about this family was different for me. They were young. They were hard working, they seemed like they could be any of us.

I, too, am still processing the guilty plea on all counts. I hope it brings the family a semblance of peace.

This case was different for sure. Like others, I am glad I am not the only one. I am also grateful for the informative, thoughtful and sometimes spirited conversation this site has brought.
 
What really amazes me about this case is how little information has been leaked from LE sources. All we k own is what LE and prosecutors want us to know. After 5 years and in a world of digital media, I find that amazing.
Agree! It has been crickets, by not only LE, but by family and friends as well.
 
It’s time that the LE and the prosecution attorney to start letting us know what the Wagners did that night, like you Sleuthers said it’s been 5 years and now the LE should let us know what happened that night, Jake Wagner has plead guilty so now tell us what happened and how it happened there is still a lot of facts to give the family and public, we the public has the right to know, it’s the tax payers money that paid for the investigation, JMO
 
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It’s time that the LE and the prosecution attorney to start letting us know what the Wagners did that night, like you Sleuthers said it’s been 5 years and now the LE should let us know what happened that night, Jake Wagner has plead guilty so now tell us what happened and how the public has the right to know, it’s the tax payers money that paid for the investigation, JMO


Thankfully the state has no responsibility to tell the public any of the gory details of what happened that night/morning.

By nature it is normal for people to be curious and know all of the details, but stop for a moment and think about the surviving families. They are the ones who are suffering through this nightmare, not the public. They are the ones who hopefully can one day wake up from that same nightmare and see a little sunshine.

So for me, if the families are okay with how this is seemingly turning out... I applaud each and every one of them. Now hopefully the other 3 will follow Jake's lead. It is like reading a mystery book and getting to the final chapter and seeing the pages are missing. All MOO.
 
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I feel a bit drained now after 5 years of intensely following this case. Was it a mistake to study it so closely? Why does it bother me so much now? The emotion of it?

I thought there would be this huge relief but I find myself struggling for closure. Am I selfish to feel like this since I am not their family? Jake's confession blew me away and I'm still processing it.

CC, you are a caring and compassionate woman and like most on here, gave it your all. Ask yourself, was it worth it to become so involved in a case that kept you up at night? I think you will say... hell yes it was. Most everyone on here was fighting for one goal, and that was JUSTICE

It wasn't the outcome most expected, but true justice will come when they are all four spending multiple LWOP's. I do believe it won't be easy for any of them.

BIG HUGS MY FRIEND.
 
Thankfully the state has no responsibility to tell the public any of the gory details of what happened that night/morning.

By nature it is normal for people to be curious and know all of the details, but stop for a moment and think about the surviving families. They are the ones who are suffering through this nightmare, not the public. They are the ones who hopefully can one day wake up from that same nightmare and see a little sunshine.

So for me, if the families are okay with how this is seemingly turning out... I applaud each and every one of them. Now hopefully the other 3 will follow Jake's lead. It is like reading a mystery book and getting to the final chapter and seeing the pages are missing. All MOO.
What about the spying the hacking in all the stuff the Wagners are accused of there is a lot more to the murders than gore stuff, JMO
 
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