WAVERLY, Ohio — George “Billy” Wagner III, the alleged patriarch involved in the 2016 Pike County massacre, appeared in court today as his attorneys renewed their request to move his upcoming trial to a different county. Wagner faces charges related to the brutal killings of eight members of the Rhoden family, a case that has drawn national attention due to its severity and complexity.
During a pretrial conference, Wagner’s legal team argued before retired Darke County Judge Jonathan Hein that it would be impossible for their client to receive a fair trial in Pike County. They cited the high-profile nature of the case and extensive media coverage, claiming that the potential jury pool has been irreparably “tainted.”
Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa refuted the defense’s arguments, asserting that finding a fair and impartial jury in Pike County is realistic. Judge Hein took the arguments under advisement and indicated he would issue a ruling in the coming days. Wagner’s trial is scheduled to begin in January 2025.
Three of the four Wagners charged in connection with the massacre have already pleaded guilty or been convicted:
- Angela Wagner, 52, Billy Wagner’s wife, pleaded guilty in 2021 for her role in the killings.
- Edward “Jake” Wagner, 28, their son, also pleaded guilty in 2021 and provided testimony against other family members.
- George Wagner IV, 32, another son, claimed his innocence but was convicted by a jury in 2022.