A little more than four years ago, officials in Ohio announced the arrest of four family members who allegedly killed eight members of another family.
This Monday, one of those arrestees – 31-year-old George Wagner IV – was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“George Wagner IV will never live another day outside of prison – a sentence that’s another step toward justice for the Rhodens, Gilleys, & Manleys,” said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine of the sentencing. “I spoke with family members this morning, commending them for their courage & their patience as they waited 6+ years for this day.”
Back in November 2018, Wagner was arrested along with his father, George “Billy” Wagner III; his mother, Angela Wagner and his brother, Edward “Jake” Wagner. Each of the family members were charged with eight counts of aggravated murder with death penalty specifications. All four suspects are also accused of forging custody documents.
Angela Wagner’s mother, Rita Newcomb, and Billy Wagner’s mother, Fredericka Wagner, also faced felony charges that included obstructing justice and perjury for allegedly misleading investigators.
According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the Wagner family planned and carried out the murders of: 40-year-old Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his 37-year-old ex-wife Dana Manley Rhoden; their three children, 19-year-old Hanna May Rhoden, 16-year-old Christopher Rhoden Jr., and 20-year-old Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden; Frankie Rhoden’s 20-year-old fiancée Hannah “Hazel” Gilley; Christopher Rhoden Sr.’s 44-year-old brother Kenneth Rhoden and his 38-year-old cousin Gary Rhoden.
Authorities said the eight victims were discovered at four separate homes on April 22, 2016.
Jake Wagner – who was charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor for having sexual contact with Hanna May Rhoden when she was 15 years old and he was 20 years old – was also the father of her oldest daughter.
That daughter was staying at the Wagners’ home the night of the murders. Three young children at home at the time of the murders were left physically unharmed, said authorities.
“Indictments allege that these suspects developed a calculated plan to execute the victims in the middle of the night and then carefully cover their tracks,” DeWine said in 2018, when he was attorney general. “Their alleged plan was sophisticated, but not sophisticated enough for our team of investigators and prosecutors.”
According to their indictments, the family purchased ammunition, a magazine clip, brass catcher(s), and a bug detector to prepare for the crimes. They allegedly obtained information about the layouts of their victims’ homes and about their habits and routines.
In addition to aggravated murder charges, the Wagner family was also charged with conspiracy, engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance, forgery, unauthorized use of property, interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications, obstructing justice, and aggravated burglary.
According to CBS News, George Wagner IV was sentenced Monday “after an emotional hearing at which the victims’ family members spoke of their devastation and grief, and urged the judge to show no mercy toward a man they called evil and remorseless.”
“Pike County Sheriff Tracy D. Evans would like to thank the entire Prosecution team for their diligent efforts in getting an all counts conviction during the George Wagner trial,” said a Facebook post from earlier this month. Our hearts sincerely go out to all Rhoden and [Gilley] family members/victims and wishing them peace and closure!!”
Wagner declined to make a statement in court, CBS reported. His lawyer said Wagner maintains his innocence.
So far, he is the only member of the family to go on trial. Previously, Jake Wagner pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, as well as other charges, and is expected to spend his life in prison. Angela Wagner also pleaded guilty to helping to plan the slayings, and prosecutors recommended she serve a 30-year sentence. Billy Wagner pleaded not guilty and awaits trial, said CBS.
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