PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A motion hearing has been set for one of the four Wagner family members charged in the 2016 Rhoden family murders.
Attorneys for George Wagner IV want the aggravated murder charges dropped and the possibility of a death sentence dismissed because they claim new information has been discovered indicating he did not kill any members of the Rhoden family.
George Wagner IV, his parents and his brother were charged in the shootings that occurred in April 2016 at three trailers and a camper near Piketon. Prosecutors alleged the Wagner family planned the killings for months, motivated by a custody dispute.
The victims were 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his ex-wife, 37-year-old Dana Rhoden; their three children, 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 16-year-old Christopher Jr., and 19-year-old Hanna, the mother of Jake Wagner’s child; Clarence Rhoden’s fiancée, 20-year-old Hannah Gilley; Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s brother, 44-year-old Kenneth Rhoden; and a cousin, 38-year-old Gary Rhoden.
Most of the victims were repeatedly shot in the head, and some showed signs of bruising. Three young children at the scenes were unharmed.
In a court filing, lawyers for the 29-year-old questioned the fairness of proceeding with the capital case after prosecutors turned over information indicating Wagner didn’t kill the victims.
The request comes after his brother, Edward “Jake” Wagner, and his mother, Angela Wagner, reached plea deals. A judge will hear the motion on Dec. 22.
Edward pleaded guilty to 23 counts including multiple counts of aggravated murder on April 22. He admitted he was personally responsible for five of the deaths.
Prosecutors said he gave a full account of what happened that morning, along with information that led them to additional evidence.
Angela pleaded guilty this month to helping plan the murders and prosecutors said she gave them additional information. In exchange, prosecutors agreed to drop aggravated murder charges against her.
The plea deals include agreements for Edward and Angela to testify against George and his father, George “Billy” Wagner III, if their cases go to trial. Both had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
George Wagner IV’s trial has been set for April 4, 2022.