COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — On Friday, Edward "Jake" Wagner and his mother, Angela Wagner, were sentenced for their roles in the 2016 Pike County massacre, which claimed the lives of eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families. The emotional courtroom session highlighted the deep scars left on the community by this heinous crime. Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Jake Wagner to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 32 years, overturning his earlier plea deal which would have mandated life without parole.
This decision marked a notable divergence from the sentence received by his brother, George Wagner IV, who was recently condemned to eight consecutive life terms without parole. The judge noted Jake's cooperation with law enforcement and his willingness to testify against his brother as contributing factors to the adjustment of his sentence. Judge Hein stated he could not impose the same punishment on Jake as George due to these actions.
Angela Wagner was sentenced to 30 years, with the judge recognizing her prior plea agreement which allowed her to plead guilty to lesser charges, including conspiracy and tampering with evidence. Meanwhile, Rita Newcomb, the boys’ grandmother, received probation and minimal fines for lesser charges related to the case.
The sentencing hearing turned dramatic as emotional victim impact statements were delivered, particularly by Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of victim Hannah Gilley. Her statements, harsh and direct, included accusations against Jake Wagner, whom she labeled as "the spawn of Satan" for his role. "You ruined my life, you ruined innocent children’s lives! I hope you die!" she shouted, sending ripples of distress throughout the courtroom.
Jake Wagner, visibly moved, attempted to address victims’ families directly, expressing sorrow for his crimes and reflecting on his faith. "I do pray for you all," Wagner stated, though his words did little to quell the anger from the families, many of whom left the courtroom during his calmer moments of reflection.
The Wagners were implicated as key players in the orchestrated killings, which stemmed from custody disputes over Jake's child with Hanna Rhoden, one of the victims. On April 22, 2016, eight lives, including those of three young mothers, were tragically taken at three locations near Piketon, Ohio. The fallout has resulted in one of the most extensive criminal investigations the state has ever seen.
During sentencing, Judge Hein highlighted the gravity of the crimes, saying, "Each generation has its own people who can prove the depths of depravity of human nature, and that's what this case did." He acknowledged the severe impact this case would have on the community for years to come.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the Wagner family members initially attempted to maintain their innocence for several years. Their eventual downfall came amid overwhelming evidence, including surveillance footage and family testimonies, marking this as not just a crime of passion, but also one with premeditated malice involved.
George Wagner IV was identified as a primary perpetrator during the trial, with Jake later testifying about his brother’s involvement. His cooperation played a key role in the prosecution of George, emphasizing the complex interrelations of crime within the family.
Looking forward, as these sentences are finally imposed, the community remains on edge as the patriarch of the Wagner family, George “Billy” Wagner III, awaits his trial. The judicial outcomes remain highly anticipated as Judge Hein has previously announced drastic measures to move Billy's trial out of Pike County, citing pervasive media coverage and community awareness as potential issues for fair jury selection.
The emotional scars from the Pike County massacre reinforce the tragedy's impact, as families attempt to heal from losses they’ll bear for the rest of their lives. This case serves as chilling testimony to the lengths individuals may go to within familial conflicts and the resultant devastation.