Wagner Family’s Trial Continues with George “Billy” Wagner III’s Upcoming Court Date
WAVERLY, Ohio — George “Billy” Wagner III is set to begin his trial on May 6, 2024, as a key figure in one of Ohio’s most notorious murder cases. The proceedings are estimated to last approximately eight weeks.
The Wagner patriarch is among the accused, alongside his wife, Angela, and their two sons, Jake and George, in a crime that has shocked and gripped the state. Billy Wagner stands accused of the “execution-style” murders of eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families on April 22, 2016. His charges include eight counts of aggravated murder as well as allegations of evidence tampering, conspiracy, and forgery.
The deceased, whose lives were tragically cut short, include Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, Hannah “Hazel” Gilley, Christopher Rhoden Jr., Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, Gary Rhoden, Hanna May Rhoden, and Kenneth Rhoden.
Billy Wagner has remained behind bars since his arrest in November 2018.
In a recent hearing, Billy’s defense team pushed for a change of trial venue from Pike County. They argue that the conviction of his son, George Wagner IV, in the same county in November 2022 makes it challenging to secure an impartial jury. The defense said Pike County’s tight-knit community and extensive media coverage as detrimental factors.
On the other hand, Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa contended that ample time has passed since Angela and Jake Wagner’s guilty pleas and George’s conviction. Additionally, Canepa highlighted that during jury selection for George’s trial, a satisfactory jury was achieved after screening only about 1% of potential jurors from Pike County.
Presiding Judge Robert Alan Corbin, a retired Brown County common pleas judge assigned to the Wagner cases, has yet to decide on the change of venue. He promised a written decision soon after revisiting pertinent cases.
Billy Wagner could face the death penalty if convicted. However, Angela and Jake Wagner have both entered plea deals, agreeing to testify in exchange for a removed death penalty specification, echoing a similar agreement made during George Wagner IV’s trial.