The chilling details of the 2016 Pike County Massacre, which claimed the lives of eight members of the Rhoden family, continue to unfold as Angela Wagner, 50, pleaded guilty to her role in the meticulously planned murders. This shocking crime, rooted in a custody dispute over Wagner’s granddaughter, has shaken rural Ohio and exposed a web of deceit and violence within the Wagner family.
Angela Wagner
Angela Wagner’s plea agreement marks a significant turning point in the complex criminal investigation. She admitted to conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, burglary, evidence tampering, and other charges. In exchange for her cooperation and testimony against the remaining defendants, prosecutors dropped the aggravated murder charges and recommended a 30-year prison sentence. This plea deal mirrors that of her son, Edward “Jake” Wagner, who confessed to his involvement in the killings five months prior.
This complex case began in April 2016 when seven adults and a teenage boy were found shot to death in their homes near Piketon, Ohio. The victims included Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; his ex-wife, Dana Rhoden, 37; their three children, Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 20; Christopher Jr., 16; and Hanna, 19; Clarence Rhoden’s fiancée, Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s brother, Kenneth Rhoden, 44; and a cousin, Gary Rhoden, 38. The brutal nature of the crime, with most victims shot multiple times in the head, some showing signs of bruising, horrified the community and sparked an extensive investigation. Three young children present at the scenes were spared.
The investigation, one of Ohio’s largest, initially yielded few leads. The breakthrough came more than two years later with the arrest of the Wagner family: Angela, her husband, George “Billy” Wagner III, and their two sons, Jake and George Wagner IV.
The motive, according to prosecutors, was a bitter custody battle between Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden over their daughter. Special prosecutor Angela Canepa revealed that the Wagners spent months meticulously planning the executions, targeting specific victims while others were tragically killed simply for being present. The family’s chilling premeditation involved the use of homemade silencers on their weapons, enabling them to murder their sleeping victims.
Angela Wagner’s involvement extended beyond mere knowledge of the plot. She actively participated in the preparations, purchasing key items used in the killings, including “phone jammers” intended to prevent the victims from calling for help. She also forged custody documents and monitored the social media accounts of some victims leading up to the massacre.
Following Jake Wagner’s guilty plea and subsequent cooperation with authorities, Angela Wagner approached prosecutors, offering new information and seeking a deal. Her plea provides further evidence of the family’s complicity and strengthens the case against the remaining defendants, George “Billy” Wagner III and George Wagner IV, both of whom have pleaded not guilty.
The impact of this horrific crime continues to resonate within the community and the Rhoden family. Tony Rhoden Sr., brother of Christopher Rhoden Sr., expressed gratitude for the pleas, acknowledging them as a step toward justice. He has also filed a civil lawsuit against the Wagners, which is currently pending.
The crime scene in Pike County, Ohio
The Pike County Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of family disputes escalating into violence. While the legal proceedings continue, the community and the Rhoden family grapple with the immense loss and seek closure in the face of this unimaginable tragedy.
The ongoing trial of George “Billy” Wagner III and George Wagner IV will further illuminate the complexities of this case and determine the full extent of their involvement. As the legal process unfolds, the pursuit of justice for the Rhoden family remains paramount, offering hope for healing and accountability in the aftermath of this horrific crime.
The Pike County Massacre has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rural Ohio. The investigation continues to expose the intricate details of the Wagner family’s conspiracy and the devastating consequences of their actions. The upcoming trials will further unveil the truth behind this tragic event and, hopefully, bring a sense of closure to the Rhoden family and the community. The case also raises important questions about custody disputes, family dynamics, and the importance of early intervention in preventing such devastating acts of violence.
This case serves as a crucial case study for legal professionals, law enforcement, and those studying criminal justice. The complexities of the investigation, the plea agreements, and the ongoing trials provide valuable insights into the challenges of prosecuting complex, multi-defendant homicide cases. Furthermore, the case underscores the importance of continued research and development in forensic science, investigative techniques, and legal strategies for effectively addressing similar crimes in the future.
The Pike County Massacre will undoubtedly remain a focal point for discussions surrounding criminal justice and the devastating impact of family violence for years to come.
