WAVERLY, Ohio — While sparks flew in a hearing on Wednesday in Pike County in the Rhoden Massacre trials with bombshell developments, one development that flew under the mainstream radar due to the chaos that ensued was the appointment of a new special prosecutor.
The hearing was held on Wednesday involving George “Billy” Wagner III, one of the key figures accused in the 2016 murders of eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families. The session saw the introduction of Ron O’Brien to the prosecution team, now assisting Angela Canepa, who has been pivotal since the case’s outset while at the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
Ron O’Brien’s Extensive Background:
Ronald “Ron” O’Brien, who joined the prosecution team at this pivotal moment, has a storied career in law enforcement and public service:
- Early Career: O’Brien started his legal journey as a legal intern in the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office while still in law school at The Ohio State University. His dedication to public service was evident early on, leading him to serve as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and later as a Senior Assistant.
- Columbus City Attorney: Before his long tenure as Franklin County Prosecutor, O’Brien served as the Columbus City Attorney for three terms starting in 1985. His time in this role was marked by innovative legal solutions to city issues, including drafting significant anti-discrimination legislation.
- Franklin County Prosecutor: Elected in 1996, O’Brien became Franklin County’s 50th Prosecuting Attorney. His 24-year tenure was the longest in the county’s history:
- Trial Experience: O’Brien was not just an administrator but actively engaged in trying cases, particularly high-stakes murder and capital offense trials. His hands-on approach in the courtroom earned him respect among peers and litigants alike.
- Notable Cases: He prosecuted cases that garnered national attention, including death penalty cases where he was often both strategist and lead prosecutor. His involvement in these trials was critical, with outcomes reflecting his deep legal acumen.
- Policy and Innovation: Under his leadership, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office expanded its use of DNA evidence and other forensic technologies, setting precedents in prosecution methods. He also pushed for community-oriented policing and prosecution, aiming to reduce crime through community involvement.
- Electoral Success: Despite Franklin County becoming increasingly Democratic, O’Brien’s reputation for fairness and effectiveness kept him in office through multiple terms, often outperforming the top of the ticket in elections.
- Public Perception: While lauded for his legal skills, O’Brien faced criticism for his handling of police-involved shootings. This scrutiny became a focal point during his last election, where he lost to Gary Tyack, who highlighted a need for change in how such cases were prosecuted.
Background of the Case:
The tragic events unfolded in the early hours of April 22, 2016, when Christopher Rhoden, Sr., along with seven others from his family, were found shot to death in their homes near Piketon, Ohio. This case, one of the largest homicide investigations in Ohio’s history, led to the arrest of four members of the Wagner family, including Billy Wagner, charged with eight counts of aggravated murder, among other charges. His trial has been marked by significant delays, with the latest hearing addressing procedural issues and the ongoing debate over the trial’s venue due to extensive media coverage.
Impact on Pike County Case:
O’Brien’s addition to the Pike County case is seen as a strategic move by the prosecution, potentially bringing a fresh perspective and seasoned courtroom tactics to a case that has proven complex. His experience with high-profile trials and community relations could be crucial in navigating the public’s and jury’s perception.
Current Legal Proceedings:
At Wednesday’s hearing, the focus was suppose to be on the possibility of moving the trial due to pre-trial publicity and the pace at which the case has been moving, but instead, the judge expressed frustration over the delays, setting a tight deadline for decisions regarding the death penalty specifications against Wagner.
Community and Family Response:
The families of the victims and the Pike County community have mixed feelings. While some see O’Brien’s involvement as a step towards closure, others remain cautious, wary of further delays in a case that has already tested their patience and resilience.
As the case inches towards resolution, the involvement of Ron O’Brien with Angela Canepa might just be the catalyst needed to propel the case forward. The next hearing set for December 16 will be crucial in determining the path forward for this landmark case.