More Prison Sentences Handed Down in Ohio Murder Case

Two members of the Wagner family have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the shocking massacre of eight members of the Rhoden family in Pike County, Ohio.

At a Glance

Angela Wagner received a 30-year prison sentence with over 23 years remaining.
Jake Wagner was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 32 years.
The Wagners were involved in murdering eight Rhoden family members due to a custody dispute.
The case, which began in 2016, has finally reached a conclusion for most defendants.

Wagner Family Members Sentenced in Pike County Massacre

In a case that has gripped Ohio for nearly a decade, two members of the Wagner family have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in the 2016 Pike County massacre. Angela Wagner and her son Jake Wagner received lengthy prison terms for their roles in the killing of eight members of the Rhoden family. Angela’s mother, Rita Newcomb, was also sentenced to probation and will face a fine for her lesser role in the crime.

Angela Wagner was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with credit for time served, leaving her with over 23 years remaining. Upon release, she will face adult supervision and must register as a violent offender. Jake Wagner received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 32 years, due to his cooperation with the state’s case.

In Pike County for sentencing Jake and Angela Wagner and Rita Newcomb in the Rhoden family massacre. pic.twitter.com/coxRgrR6np

— Lacey Crisp (@LaceyCrisp) January 3, 2025

The Murders and Their Motive

The Wagners were involved in the murder of eight members of the Rhoden family on April 22, 2016. The killings took place across four homes in Pike County, Ohio, with three young children found unharmed at the crime scenes. The primary motive for the murders was a custody dispute over Jake Wagner’s daughter with victim Hanna May Rhoden.

“How greedy are you Jake Wagner. You killed your granddaughter’s mother. You are evil. You are the spawn of Satan and Satan is Billy Wagner,” Andrea Shoemaker, who is the mother of one of the victims, stated. “I pray your grandchildren and your children never want anything to do with you. And I hope they never do that. I hope your daughter hates you with the passion and as much heart as I hate you Jake Wagner.”

The victims were shot execution-style, and the crimes shocked the community. The Wagners reportedly planned the killings for months and even moved to Alaska afterward, only to return to Ohio before their arrests in 2018.

Legal Proceedings and Plea Deals

Initially, Billy Wagner, Angela Wagner, Jake Wagner, and George Wagner faced the death penalty for their involvement in the murders. However, Angela and Jake Wagner changed their pleas to avoid capital punishment. Their cooperation led to plea deals for other family members. Billy Wagner has also had the death penalty taken off the table for his case.

George Wagner IV was found guilty on all 22 charges, including eight counts of aggravated murder, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Billy Wagner, has pleaded not guilty, but his trial has faced multiple delays.

Impact on the Community

The Pike County massacre case has had a profound impact on the local community and beyond. The investigation faced numerous challenges, including initial speculation about cartel involvement and a lengthy period without arrests. The extensive investigation efforts, including cell phone records and witness testimonies, finally led to the arrests in 2018.