PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — George “Billy” Wagner III is scheduled to appear in court on August 2 for a pivotal pre-trial hearing amidst ongoing legal maneuvers and significant developments in the case that has transfixed Ohio.
Wagner, alongside his wife Angela and their sons Jake and George, stands accused in connection with the brutal “execution-style” murders of eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families on April 22, 2016. The deceased include Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, Hannah “Hazel” Gilley, Christopher Rhoden Jr., Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, Gary Rhoden, Hanna May Rhoden, and Kenneth Rhoden.
Billy Wagner, who has been incarcerated since his arrest in November 2018, faces a litany of charges including eight counts of aggravated murder, as well as allegations of evidence tampering, conspiracy, and forgery.
In recent proceedings, Wagner’s defense team has fervently argued for a change of trial venue from Pike County, citing challenges in securing an impartial jury due to extensive media coverage and community ties, exacerbated by his son George Wagner IV’s conviction in the same county.
Special Prosecutor Angela Canepa countered these claims, pointing out that sufficient time has elapsed since Angela and Jake Wagner’s guilty pleas and George Wagner IV’s trial. Canepa emphasized that a fair jury was selected after screening a small percentage of potential jurors from Pike County during George’s trial.
Presiding Judge Robert Alan Corbin, assigned from Brown County, has yet to rule on the change of venue request. He promised to issue a written decision promptly after reviewing relevant case precedents.
If convicted, Billy Wagner could potentially face the death penalty. Angela and Jake Wagner have entered plea deals that include testimony against others involved in the case, similar to agreements made during George Wagner IV’s trial.
Wagner’s trial is slated to begin next year.