Pike County Shootings
Pike County Mass Murder
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Pike County, Ohio
TIME PERIOD
April 21–22, 2016
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
On the night of April 21-22, 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were murdered in a coordinated attack across four homes in Pike County, Ohio, near Peebles. The victims, including six adults and a 16-year-old boy, were found shot execution-style, while three young children present in the homes were unharmed. The investigation revealed that the murders were premeditated, with evidence of marijuana cultivation and cockfighting at the crime scenes, although no direct link to the killings was established. In November 2018, four members of the Wagner family, known to the Rhodens, were arrested and charged; Edward "Jake" Wagner pleaded guilty to all eight counts of aggravated murder and is serving life imprisonment, while his family members received varying sentences for their roles in the conspiracy. The case remains one of the largest investigations in Ohio's history.
Investigators believe the Pike County shootings were premeditated and that the perpetrators had a known relationship with the Rhoden family. There is speculation that the motive may have been related to a custody dispute over a child, as well as possible drug-related issues within the families involved. Some community members theorize that the extensive planning and execution of the murders indicate a deeper family feud or ongoing conflict between the Rhodens and the Wagners.
The Pike County Massacre: A Family's Unthinkable Tragedy
A Chilling Discovery
In the quiet rural setting of Pike County, Ohio, tragedy struck in the dead of night on April 21-22, 2016. Eight members of the Rhoden family were found brutally murdered in their homes, leaving the small community near the village of Peebles reeling in shock. The gruesome discovery was made on April 22, when Bobby Jo Manley, sister to victim Dana Rhoden, visited the homes to feed pets, unknowingly stepping into a nightmare.
The Rhodens’ bodies were found across four different locations. Seven victims, including six adults and a 16-year-old boy, lay dead in three adjacent houses, executed with precision and purpose. A male victim was discovered in his camper in nearby Piketon, his life also snuffed out violently. Amidst this horror, three young children, including two infants, were mercifully left unharmed.
The Victims
The eight lives lost that night were:
- Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16, the youngest son of Dana and Christopher Rhoden Sr., killed by gunshots to the head.
- Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40, Dana’s ex-husband, suffered gunshot wounds to the head, torso, and limbs.
- Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20, the eldest son of Dana and Christopher Sr., and father to the surviving infants, was shot in the head.
- Dana Lynn (née Manley) Rhoden, 37, was killed by gunshots to the head and neck.
- Gary Rhoden, 38, cousin to Christopher Sr. and Kenneth, also died from gunshots to the head.
- Hanna May Rhoden, 19, daughter of Dana and Christopher Sr., and mother to one of the surviving infants, was shot in the head.
- Hannah Hazel Gilley, 20, fiancée of Clarence, was found shot in the head.
- Kenneth Rhoden, 44, Christopher Sr.’s brother, died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
An Extensive Investigation
From the outset, investigators suspected a calculated, premeditated attack involving at least two shooters. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine spearheaded what soon became the largest investigation in Ohio's history. Law enforcement descended on the scene, uncovering the presence of marijuana grow operations and cockfighting paraphernalia at some crime scenes. However, a direct link between these illicit activities and the murders remained unconfirmed.
As the investigation progressed, the Rhodens' deaths were considered deliberate, with the killers known to their victims. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, supported by the FBI and DEA, led a task force of over 100 officials, conducting interviews and examining evidence, including a threatening Facebook post against Christopher Rhoden Jr.
Autopsies and Legal Battles
Autopsies revealed the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds, with some showing signs of being beaten. Despite public interest, the full autopsy reports were initially withheld, leading to legal battles with media outlets like The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Columbus Dispatch. After a prolonged court fight, the Ohio Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of releasing the full reports.
Arrests and Convictions
In a dramatic turn in November 2018, four members of the Wagner family, closely acquainted with the Rhodens, were arrested and charged with the murders. Edward "Jake" Wagner, once romantically involved with Hanna Rhoden and father to her child, confessed to the murders, admitting he shot five of the victims. His plea led to life imprisonment without parole. His mother, Angela Wagner, received a 30-year sentence, while George Wagner IV, convicted of aggravated murder and conspiracy, faced life imprisonment plus 121 years. Rita Newcomb, another family member, was convicted of obstructing official business and received five years of adult supervision.
The Aftermath
The massacre left a community in mourning and a family shattered. Funerals were held under tight security, with financial assistance approved by Attorney General DeWine to cover expenses. The case drew national attention, with Ohio Governor John Kasich and businessman Jeff Ruby expressing their shock and offering rewards for information leading to the perpetrators' arrest.
A Community's Resilience
Despite the horror of the Pike County Massacre, the community of Peebles and the surrounding areas demonstrated resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. As the legal proceedings concluded, the families of the victims sought closure, while the community vowed never to forget the lives lost and the horror that visited their quiet corner of Ohio.
Sources
For more in-depth details, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
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Pike County Massacre
Eight members of the Rhoden family are found shot dead in four homes in Pike County, Ohio.
Investigation Begins
Ohio Attorney General confirms marijuana cultivation and cockfighting operations at crime scenes, marking the start of a large-scale investigation.
Arrests Made
Four members of the Wagner family are arrested and charged with the murders of the Rhoden family.
Jake Wagner Pleads Guilty
Edward 'Jake' Wagner pleads guilty to all charges, admitting to shooting five victims and agreeing to testify against his family.
Angela Wagner Pleads Guilty
Angela Wagner pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and other charges as part of a plea deal.
George Wagner IV Trial Begins
Trial for George Wagner IV starts, with evidence presented linking him to the murders.
George Wagner IV Found Guilty
George Wagner IV is found guilty on all counts related to the murders of the Rhoden family.
Sentencing of Wagner Family
Sentencing of Edward 'Jake' Wagner, Angela Wagner, and Rita Newcomb takes place, concluding major legal proceedings.
Billy Wagner Trial Pending
Trial date for George 'Billy' Wagner has not been set, with ongoing legal appeals regarding the death penalty.
On the night of April 21-22, 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were murdered in a coordinated attack across four homes in Pike County, Ohio, near Peebles. The victims, including six adults and a 16-year-old boy, were found shot execution-style, while three young children present in the homes were unharmed. The investigation revealed that the murders were premeditated, with evidence of marijuana cultivation and cockfighting at the crime scenes, although no direct link to the killings was established. In November 2018, four members of the Wagner family, known to the Rhodens, were arrested and charged; Edward "Jake" Wagner pleaded guilty to all eight counts of aggravated murder and is serving life imprisonment, while his family members received varying sentences for their roles in the conspiracy. The case remains one of the largest investigations in Ohio's history.
Investigators believe the Pike County shootings were premeditated and that the perpetrators had a known relationship with the Rhoden family. There is speculation that the motive may have been related to a custody dispute over a child, as well as possible drug-related issues within the families involved. Some community members theorize that the extensive planning and execution of the murders indicate a deeper family feud or ongoing conflict between the Rhodens and the Wagners.
The Pike County Massacre: A Family's Unthinkable Tragedy
A Chilling Discovery
In the quiet rural setting of Pike County, Ohio, tragedy struck in the dead of night on April 21-22, 2016. Eight members of the Rhoden family were found brutally murdered in their homes, leaving the small community near the village of Peebles reeling in shock. The gruesome discovery was made on April 22, when Bobby Jo Manley, sister to victim Dana Rhoden, visited the homes to feed pets, unknowingly stepping into a nightmare.
The Rhodens’ bodies were found across four different locations. Seven victims, including six adults and a 16-year-old boy, lay dead in three adjacent houses, executed with precision and purpose. A male victim was discovered in his camper in nearby Piketon, his life also snuffed out violently. Amidst this horror, three young children, including two infants, were mercifully left unharmed.
The Victims
The eight lives lost that night were:
- Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16, the youngest son of Dana and Christopher Rhoden Sr., killed by gunshots to the head.
- Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40, Dana’s ex-husband, suffered gunshot wounds to the head, torso, and limbs.
- Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20, the eldest son of Dana and Christopher Sr., and father to the surviving infants, was shot in the head.
- Dana Lynn (née Manley) Rhoden, 37, was killed by gunshots to the head and neck.
- Gary Rhoden, 38, cousin to Christopher Sr. and Kenneth, also died from gunshots to the head.
- Hanna May Rhoden, 19, daughter of Dana and Christopher Sr., and mother to one of the surviving infants, was shot in the head.
- Hannah Hazel Gilley, 20, fiancée of Clarence, was found shot in the head.
- Kenneth Rhoden, 44, Christopher Sr.’s brother, died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
An Extensive Investigation
From the outset, investigators suspected a calculated, premeditated attack involving at least two shooters. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine spearheaded what soon became the largest investigation in Ohio's history. Law enforcement descended on the scene, uncovering the presence of marijuana grow operations and cockfighting paraphernalia at some crime scenes. However, a direct link between these illicit activities and the murders remained unconfirmed.
As the investigation progressed, the Rhodens' deaths were considered deliberate, with the killers known to their victims. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, supported by the FBI and DEA, led a task force of over 100 officials, conducting interviews and examining evidence, including a threatening Facebook post against Christopher Rhoden Jr.
Autopsies and Legal Battles
Autopsies revealed the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds, with some showing signs of being beaten. Despite public interest, the full autopsy reports were initially withheld, leading to legal battles with media outlets like The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Columbus Dispatch. After a prolonged court fight, the Ohio Supreme Court finally ruled in favor of releasing the full reports.
Arrests and Convictions
In a dramatic turn in November 2018, four members of the Wagner family, closely acquainted with the Rhodens, were arrested and charged with the murders. Edward "Jake" Wagner, once romantically involved with Hanna Rhoden and father to her child, confessed to the murders, admitting he shot five of the victims. His plea led to life imprisonment without parole. His mother, Angela Wagner, received a 30-year sentence, while George Wagner IV, convicted of aggravated murder and conspiracy, faced life imprisonment plus 121 years. Rita Newcomb, another family member, was convicted of obstructing official business and received five years of adult supervision.
The Aftermath
The massacre left a community in mourning and a family shattered. Funerals were held under tight security, with financial assistance approved by Attorney General DeWine to cover expenses. The case drew national attention, with Ohio Governor John Kasich and businessman Jeff Ruby expressing their shock and offering rewards for information leading to the perpetrators' arrest.
A Community's Resilience
Despite the horror of the Pike County Massacre, the community of Peebles and the surrounding areas demonstrated resilience and unity in the face of tragedy. As the legal proceedings concluded, the families of the victims sought closure, while the community vowed never to forget the lives lost and the horror that visited their quiet corner of Ohio.
Sources
For more in-depth details, visit the original article on Wikipedia.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Pike County Massacre
Eight members of the Rhoden family are found shot dead in four homes in Pike County, Ohio.
Investigation Begins
Ohio Attorney General confirms marijuana cultivation and cockfighting operations at crime scenes, marking the start of a large-scale investigation.
Arrests Made
Four members of the Wagner family are arrested and charged with the murders of the Rhoden family.
Jake Wagner Pleads Guilty
Edward 'Jake' Wagner pleads guilty to all charges, admitting to shooting five victims and agreeing to testify against his family.
Angela Wagner Pleads Guilty
Angela Wagner pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and other charges as part of a plea deal.
George Wagner IV Trial Begins
Trial for George Wagner IV starts, with evidence presented linking him to the murders.
George Wagner IV Found Guilty
George Wagner IV is found guilty on all counts related to the murders of the Rhoden family.
Sentencing of Wagner Family
Sentencing of Edward 'Jake' Wagner, Angela Wagner, and Rita Newcomb takes place, concluding major legal proceedings.
Billy Wagner Trial Pending
Trial date for George 'Billy' Wagner has not been set, with ongoing legal appeals regarding the death penalty.