WAVERLY, Ohio — The trial proceedings for George “Billy” Wagner III, accused in the 2016 Pike County massacre, have hit a significant delay as visiting Judge Jonathan Hein canceled a scheduled hearing on Monday and the sentencing for Wagner’s youngest son Jake and wife Angela set for Tuesday.
Wagner, along with his family, is accused of orchestrating the brutal execution-style killings of seven members of the Rhoden family and Hannah Gilley in April 2016.
Last month, Judge Hein made a controversial decision to move Wagner’s trial out of Pike County, citing potential bias due to extensive local media coverage, and to remove the death penalty as a possible sentence. This ruling prompted appeals from the prosecution and victims’ advocates, suggesting that the resolution of these appeals could still be months away. Wagner’s trial was slated for January 6, 2025 but it’s unknown if that date will stick. It’s highly unlikely, according to the prosecution.
Jake and Angela Wagner had previously pleaded guilty to their part in the crimes under an agreement to testify against Billy Wagner in exchange for not seeking the death penalty. Their sentencing, which was anticipated to occur this week, has now been postponed indefinitely.
George Wagner IV, Billy Wagner’s oldest son, was found guilty on all counts related to the massacre in November 2022. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole, marking a significant chapter in one of Ohio’s most notorious criminal cases.
No new dates have been set for the resumption of these hearings. The legal community and the public are closely watching as these developments unfold, with many questioning the impact on the pursuit of justice for the victims.
The case, which has gripped the nation, continues to navigate through legal complexities, with each delay adding to the prolonged wait for closure for the Rhoden and Gilley families.