PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — In a forthcoming documentary premiering this week, Oxygen will delve into the tragic events of the Rhoden massacre in Pike County. The harrowing incident unfolded on April 21 and 22, 2016, claiming the lives of eight individuals, all belonging to the Rhoden family. Situated in Pike County,, the massacre occurred in four houses and a camper, resulting in seven adult and one teenage victim.
The perpetrators of this gruesome act were members of the Wagner family, with Jake Wagner identified as the triggerman in the execution-style murders of five Rhoden family members. His victims included Dana Rhoden (37), Hanna May Rhoden (19), Chris Rhoden Jr. (16), Frankie Rhoden (20), and Hanna “Hazel” Gilley (20). Additionally, he wounded Christopher Rhoden Sr. (40). The Oxygen docuseries, “The Pike County Murders: A Family Massacre,” is set to premiere on Friday, November 24, 2023, providing a detailed account of this tragic event.
According to information from Rotten Tomatoes, the docuseries synopsis outlines the brutal execution-style murders of eight Rhoden family members by another family they considered friends. The Pike County Massacre, the largest murder investigation in Ohio’s history, reveals a narrative of violence, familial conflict, and betrayal.
Executive producers Stephanie Lydecker and Catharine Park spearheaded the production of this revealing docuseries. In his October 2022 testimony, Jake Wagner chillingly detailed the killings, stating that Dana Rhoden made a gasping noise before he shot her. He further explained his decision to kill Hanna Rhoden, citing concern for their 3-year-old daughter, Sophie, asserting, “I had no choice. I decided to kill Hanna. If I didn’t do something, Sophie would be harmed.”