PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — In a ruling filed on Monday, Judge R. Alan Corbin determined that George Washington (Billy) Wagner III will face trial on 22 counts, including murder, in Pike County.
The request for a change of venue was denied. Wagner’s youngest son and wife have already pleaded guilty to murder charges, while his eldest son, George (Washington Wagner IV), was tried and convicted on the same 22 counts related to the 2016 murders of seven members of the Rhoden family and Hannah Gilley.
The court documents indicate that the defense filed the Amended Motion for Change of Venue on June 22, with the state filing its opposing document on August 30.
The defense responded on October 3, and oral arguments were heard on October 4.
The trial is set for May 2024.
