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

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  • #241
I have not listened to the podcasts you reference.

IMO, the W4 came back from Alaska in late spring/early summer 2018. It appears they were there in AK for about a year.
The picture of a wolf appeared on George's (public) FB fall 2018 as well as Angie's reply. I'm still not clear what it's meaning was.

To my knowledge, nothing in MSM has ever been reported about anything else about Kenny's death other than the fact he was shot once in his right eye.

In my own interpretation, being shot once in the eye means you might have seen something and had to be eliminated for that reason. Big IMO on my part.

JMO
That podcast is really good! I recommend it. I've been relistening just to refresh my memory before the trial starts. Lots of interviews with family members.

I really am curious about what Jake and Angela had to say about Kenny. That one never made sense to me. Kenny would not be going after custody of Jake's daughter. He lived away from the others and if George did kill him then was it for his own reason? If he did and posted that because he was in a way bragging or whatever he was doing, then I think it must have been a different motive than the others. Was he there that night? Did he see them or did he leave or try to leave and they saw him and someone followed him home? All my speculations, but it's just the one off murder that didn't add up.
 
  • #242
Well that is the first I've seen it was a 12 hour confession. I think there must be a lot in there that implicates every single one of them!

I am curious of George had any part in surveillance of their movements. All this is premeditation and I think could be used to show even if he didn't do any killing that night, that he helped plan and carry it out by helping prior to the night knowing what was being planned and then he went that night.. that shows to me that he knew what was intended and by showing up he was in agreement. I don't believe in the, but I didn't kill anyone defense when a person is a willing participant in every other act prior and is present during knowing what is going to happen.
^^BBM

Yes, as of August 2008, 48 states in the US would agree with you (have a felony murder rule).


 
  • #243
That podcast is really good! I recommend it. I've been relistening just to refresh my memory before the trial starts. Lots of interviews with family members.

I really am curious about what Jake and Angela had to say about Kenny. That one never made sense to me. Kenny would not be going after custody of Jake's daughter. He lived away from the others and if George did kill him then was it for his own reason? If he did and posted that because he was in a way bragging or whatever he was doing, then I think it must have been a different motive than the others. Was he there that night? Did he see them or did he leave or try to leave and they saw him and someone followed him home? All my speculations, but it's just the one off murder that didn't add up.
I so agree, it has never made sense to me why they would murder Kenny.

The only thing I can think of is that he might have known about the alleged 'drug deal" Billy was trying to make with CRsr. Kenny lived just down the road from CRsr. There had been an altercation between CRsr and Billy just the week before, IMO about custody of their mutual grandchild. I have no doubt Kenny knew about that.

I think it just boils down to witnesses that might have known about the alleged drug deal or might have known about the custody battle.

JMO
 
  • #244
Well that is the first I've seen it was a 12 hour confession. I think there must be a lot in there that implicates every single one of them!

I am curious of George had any part in surveillance of their movements. All this is premeditation and I think could be used to show even if he didn't do any killing that night, that he helped plan and carry it out by helping prior to the night knowing what was being planned and then he went that night.. that shows to me that he knew what was intended and by showing up he was in agreement. I don't believe in the, but I didn't kill anyone defense when a person is a willing participant in every other act prior and is present during knowing what is going to happen.
The Conspiracy Charge (#22) links all of the W4 together. That makes them all equally culpable in their actions and the murders.

The W4 all planned, conspired and in their own way participated in these murders.

JMO
 
  • #245
The Conspiracy Charge (#22) links all of the W4 together. That makes them all equally culpable in their actions and the murders.

The W4 all planned, conspired and in their own way participated in these murders.

JMO
^^BBM

Yup. Similar to Florida Law Professor Dan Markel's murder where it seems the defendants are being strategically arrested and charged in stages.

There was only one gun and one triggerman but so far the shooter and the driver have been convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The shooter's baby momma was just convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation.

And the former brother-in-law of the victim was arrested in May 2022 and is also facing murder, conspiracy, and solicitation charges. IMO, the Tallahassee DA's office still isn't finished prosecuting others!

Both this case and the Markel murder were on Court TV tonight where Vinnie talked about the cases both having a matriarch orchestrating and assigning the conspiracy participants their tasks. o_O

So very chilling. MOO
 
  • #246
I shall add more from yesterday's voir dire once you all post it.

Tuesday, August 30th:
*Jury – General Voir Dire (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. Jury selection is expected to take about 2 days, opening statements will begin on Tuesday, 9/6/22. (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 1-10) 8/8 to 8/19/22 & thru 8/26/22 reference post #153 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/...mbers-wagner-family-arrested-70.633873/page-8

8/29/22: Subpoena served by BCI on Bobby Jo Manley on 8/24/22.
8/29/22 Monday, Jury Voir Dire Day 1: Once the jury is picked there will be a 2-day trip taking the jury to the various locations of the murders (all 4 crime scenes), the Wagner farm, etc. before opening statements. They're not just going to the 4 crime scenes, they're also visiting the Wags Peterson Rd farm, the large pond at Flying W Farm where they hid the murder weapons. Also the Bethel Hill Rd. property, owned by Fred Wagner & believed to be the "staging area" for the murders as well as the place they went to afterwards to change clothes, get rid of evidence, etc. Also 28171 State Rte. 41 in Peebles - the place where they stored their trailers & possessions prior to the move to AK. Also where LE searched & found some key documents & evidence in the cases, including the Walmart receipt for shoes & the forged custody documents. GW4 has opted out to going to the crime scenes per motion Waiver of right to be present at jury view. Supplemental Order regarding protection & decorum of proceedings filed. First group of 12 questioned. Jury Voir Dire continues on 8/30/22.

*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.
 
  • #247
For those new to the thread here are some of the common abbreviations used:

Billy, BW or G3 - George Washington Wagner III. No, I have no idea why everyone calls him Billy
AW or Angie - Angela Wagner
George or G4 - George Washington Wagner IV
Jake - Jacob Edward Wagner (maybe Edward Jacob?)
FW - Freckericka Wagner (Billy's mom)

FWF - Flying Wagner Farms, where FW lives and Billy grew up
The Peterson Farm - where AW, Jake and G4 lived, BW lived there on and off

What have I forgotten?

JMO
George Washington III is called Billy because his given name was William. He legally changed his name to George Washington III to be named after his grandfather with his parent’s permission.
 
  • #248
I think while advancements make it possible, I see why in this case the prosecution wants them there in person. If the defense tries to say, no way they could do all this to 8 people in one night (or even just a few hours) and not be seen/heard.. maybe being there in person to see it, then the prosecution explains it in court and they understand exactly where all the properties were and that it is in fact possible. The more I think over this, the more reasons I see for doing it in person.

I am curious if the trailer homes have been cleaned up? Surly they don't leave all that just as it was for 6 years? I do think leaving it would really show the scene, but not sure it's even possible with blood and other matter to be left due to sanitary reasons.
If the homes were cleaned up, there wouldn’t be much to see but the layout of the floor plans. Maybe some bullet holes. If they were not, I sure would not go in them for biohazard reasons.
 
  • #249
My father said he had to go to a site while on jury duty. They put them on a bus.
 
  • #250
DBM
 
  • #251
That podcast is really good! I recommend it. I've been relistening just to refresh my memory before the trial starts. Lots of interviews with family members.

I really am curious about what Jake and Angela had to say about Kenny. That one never made sense to me. Kenny would not be going after custody of Jake's daughter. He lived away from the others and if George did kill him then was it for his own reason? If he did and posted that because he was in a way bragging or whatever he was doing, then I think it must have been a different motive than the others. Was he there that night? Did he see them or did he leave or try to leave and they saw him and someone followed him home? All my speculations, but it's just the one off murder that didn't add up.
what podcast are you referring to?? I don't want to miss anything:-)))
 
  • #252
I so agree, it has never made sense to me why they would murder Kenny.

The only thing I can think of is that he might have known about the alleged 'drug deal" Billy was trying to make with CRsr. Kenny lived just down the road from CRsr. There had been an altercation between CRsr and Billy just the week before, IMO about custody of their mutual grandchild. I have no doubt Kenny knew about that.

I think it just boils down to witnesses that might have known about the alleged drug deal or might have known about the custody battle.

JMO

JMO
KR would know about the situation with the Wagners, and also if the plan was to blame drugs, cartels etc, which is what happened, then KR with the money thrown on him would fit that plan.

JMO

That wolf could be very symbolic, a lone wolf, shooting KR in the eye. Investigators and the cousin DS that found KR would know how closely the lines around the eye of the wolf match.

Why else would AW have a problem with using that picture? The internet was a big part of this case, before and after the murders.

JMO

I would expect a suppressed gun being used at KR's. I don't recall if the Glock was used with a suppressor or not. If not, then possibly they had to wait for the .22 to be available, which might mean KR was last. Edit: Just as easily could have been first, but I'm pretty sure it's one or the other. I know there's the info about CR's condition which could mean he died first.
 
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  • #253
what podcast are you referring to?? I don't want to miss anything:)))
The Piketon Massacre is a podcast that started before the Wagners were arrested and has continued with the most recent episodes this year.

Edited to add: this recent season with episodes this year explains a lot of the trial process and discusses the lawyers and judge and just lots of interesting stuff. It's very fact based and well done.
 
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  • #254
what podcast are you referring to?? I don't want to miss anything:)))
Lots of interviews including family members. For example, Chris Newcomb and Tabitha's mom and sister speak.
Angenette Levy seems surprised Angela got a 30 year deal.

Listen Free to The Piketon Massacre on iHeartRadio Podcasts | iHeartRadio

New episodes!

NEW SEASON 3 - 2022

Mother May I?

May 24, 2022 • 37 min

In 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were brutally murdered in their homes. The crimes divided the small community of Pike County and spawned a mystery that spanned five years. For two seasons, The Piketon Massacre covered the case, which included the arrests of another local family with intrinsic ties to the victims, the Wagners. The accused pleaded their innocence until last year- on the 5th anniversary of the murders- one of the defendants changed his plea to guilty. Now, as season three begins, another shocking courtroom twist and many divergent theories promise to change the course of Ohio’s largest criminal investigation and may finally help the Rhoden family see justice.

Monsters

June 1, 2022 • 28 min

While we’ve heard the details about the 2016 murder of the Rhoden family, little has been uncovered about the accused family…until now. With never before heard, first-hand accounts of the Wagner family’s dynamics, interactions and personalities, we begin to gain an understanding of what might have driven them to commit such atrocious acts.

The Alaska Wife and The Father Figure

June 8, 2022 • 30 min

There are two other members of the Wagner family that haven’t received as much attention but play integral parts in the complex case. This week we explore the Wagner patriarch and the woman Jake Wagner married while in Alaska. Could uncovering truths about both of them lead us closer to what really happened?

State of Ohio vs. George Wagner IV

June 15, 2022 • 32 min

As the eldest Wagner son prepares to start his trial, there are two key motions that will seemingly play a large part in the case. In this episode, we examine what those are and how they could affect George Wagner’s upcoming court proceedings.

One Eyed Wolf

June 22, 2022 • 32 min

With George Wagner’s trial looming, key evidence against the man accused of helping to plot and kill 8 members of the Rhoden family is coming into focus. Outside of the courtroom, we’ve learned that for those closest to him, coming to terms with who George was and what he’s now being accused of is nearly impossible to reconcile.

Trial and Error

June 29, 2022 • 35 min

As George and Billy Wager await their trials, locals anxiously await justice and grapple with understanding the increasingly complicated legal proceedings. Our team of experts examines and breaks down the evidence as well as what the trials could look like. We also take a closer look at the lawyers and judges who are helping shape the Wagner men’s fate.

Breadcrumbs

July 6, 2022 • 32 min

With more and more information about the Wagner trials becoming public, we examine the first DNA evidence the state has made public against the alleged killer family. How will this evidence come into play once George and Billy Wagner enter the courtroom? Plus, with Forensic Death Investigator Joseph Scott Morgan, we study parallels between the Rhoden murder and a crime from over 50 years ago.

Manner of Life

July 13, 2022 • 30 min

As we’ve covered the tragedy, much has been said about the accused family, the investigation and the court appearances, but this week we explore the victims. For the first time, we’re talking with two Rhoden family members who have never spoken publicly before. These family members provide valuable insight into the Rhodens, a family steeped in history.
 
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  • #255
Im really hoping we get some of the questions answered.

Im wondering at what point the prosecution would considered the plea with AW and JW broken and the death penalty reinstated?

JMO, only if Jake or Angela lie on the witness stand. That seems highly unlikely. As AC said before, the state already has enough evidence to convict GW3 and GW4. The testimony from Jake and Angela is only to confirm what the evidence shows. With all the evidence at hand, it will be impossible for GW4 to try to insert some alternate scenario into the mix.

Angela and Jake want to keep the deals they negotiated, they'll do as they're told. If not, the whole family faces the DP. JMO, Jake's intention was to make sure his family didn't face the DP.

The Piketon Massacre is a podcast that started before the Wagners were arrested and has continued with the most recent episodes this year.

Edited to add: this recent season with episodes this year explains a lot of the trial process and discusses the lawyers and judge and just lots of interesting stuff. It's very fact based and well done.

I've always thought the podcast leaned in favor of the Wagner family, JMO. I found it interesting that they stopped doing podcasts once Jake and Angela confessed and details confirmed the Wagner family was guilty. Now they only want to discuss technicalities of the upcoming trial. I'll go out on a limb and say they're probably repeating much of what GW4's attorneys are saying.

Maybe they'll even keep podcasting after GW4 and Billy are convicted, informing their listeners about the ongoing process of endless appeals. ;)

It's possible. Only recently I found out that a loyal group of Happy Valley locals continues to insist Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky is innocent and are trying to get him a new trial. Truth is always stranger than fiction.
 
  • #256
@Niner

UPDATE: State and defense in OH v. #GeorgeWagnerIV have used their 6 strikes. So, jury is pretty much set at this point. 9 women, 3 men. Lunch break until 1 p.m. EST. Still have to get alternates. 2 strikes for each side on that @LawCrimeNetwork

Angenette Levy
@Angenette5
·
1h

Also, 2 jurors were taken into Judge Deering's chambers to be questioned before lunch break. We didn't see each time a strike was used b/c sometimes the lawyers went up to the bench to discuss
 
  • #257
I have a couple questions about dates/general time frames, trying to get things straight in my head. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate any info.

When was the Peterson Road house bought, before or after fire at Bethel Road?
Did all of the W4 live at Bethel location then all move at the same time to Peterson location?
Or, did GW4 and JW live at Peterson location first and then AW/BW moved there later?
Did Murder plans start at Bethel property and then continue after moving to Peterson?
Or, did all of the murder plans start after moving to Peterson?

Thanks for any info
 
  • #258
Wonder if he did a photoshop on that pic?

Wonder if KR was shot in the right eye? Edit: Apparently, yes. I re-read the posts above.

I remember the pic of the ATV on the railroad tracks, captioned "nice night for a ride on the tracks". April 21.
BBM

Let me get this straight--He posted a comment saying April 21 2016 was a nice night to go ATV riding??

Are you kidding me? Yeah, it's a beautiful night to go joy riding and clear your head so you can go help murder 8 people later tonight???????? GOOD GRIEF!!:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
  • #259
Has anyone else noticed that in the charges and motions when the four crime scenes are listed, they are always listed in the same order?

It could just be they're copied and pasted from one document to the next for the sake of convenience, but I wonder if this is the order in which the murders were committed--CRSR place, then FR place, then DR place, and KR last?? Just curious
 
  • #260
Has anyone else noticed that in the charges and motions when the four crime scenes are listed, they are always listed in the same order?

It could just be they're copied and pasted from one document to the next for the sake of convenience, but I wonder if this is the order in which the murders were committed--CRSR place, then FR place, then DR place, and KR last?? Just curious
Don't know, but we will soon find out!:D
 
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