WAVERLY, Ohio – The courtroom erupted with raw emotion as the Wagner family members faced their sentences for their roles in the 2016 Pike County massacre, one of Ohio's most notorious criminal cases. Edward "Jake" Wagner, 32, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Jonathan Hein, with the possibility of parole after 32 years. This decision marked a significant shift from previous agreements, which had dictated life without the chance for parole.
Jake’s mother, Angela Wagner, received a 30-year prison sentence, and her mother Rita Newcomb was sentenced to time served and probation for obstruction of justice. The Wagners had pleaded guilty, entangled in a horrific narrative involving the deaths of eight family members over custody disputes and deeply rooted grievances.
The killings on April 22, 2016, left eight victims from the Rhoden and Gilley families dead, most of whom were brutally shot as they slept. Prosecutors noted the victims included Christopher Rhoden Sr.; his ex-wife Dana Rhoden; their children, Frankie, Hanna, and Chris Jr.; and their future relatives. The carnage sent shockwaves throughout Piketon, raising initial concerns over drug cartel involvement due to the extreme nature of the attack.
During the sentencing, Judge Hein emphasized Jake’s cooperation with the authorities, which influenced his decision to allow for parole eligibility. "You cooperated, because you did something to acknowledge the responsibility of the crime," he remarked. This cooperation led to Jake Wagner providing key details of the murder plot, admitting he was responsible for five of the deaths.
"I’m not asking for forgiveness... Hate will not heal your heart," said Jake during his address to the Rhoden family, which was met with outrage, prompting some family members to leave the courtroom. He described his plea to God for redemption and proclaimed, "I am sorry for what I’ve done but I am glad I got caught." His comments, tinged with religious overtones, left many victims' families feeling angered rather than consoled.
Angela Wagner echoed the sentiments of remorse but also faced harsh words from the victims' families. During her sentencing, she expressed she isn’t the person she used to be and has reportedly engaged in mentoring other inmates. "You were the only one who could’ve stopped the whole thing with one phone call," Judge Hein admonished her.
Andrea Shoemaker, mother of victim Hannah Gilley, lashed out at both Angela and Jake, branding them "evil" and the "spawns of Satan." She accused Jake of greed and lamented her daughter’s tragic death, stating emphatically, "You killed your granddaughter's mother!" Her pain encapsulated the strong emotions permeated throughout the courtroom.
Rita Newcomb, Angela's mother, received the lightest sentence after pleading guilty to obstruction of justice, which involved her efforts to cover up the truth about the custody dispute and the Wagners’ criminal activities. Her sentence included probation and minor fines, culminating from the court’s decision to plea bargain against more severe charges.
Only one member of the Wagner family, George "Billy" Wagner, has yet to stand trial on charges related to the killings. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for January 2024, and mounting public sentiment insists on justice for the victims. Prosecutors allege the Wagner family orchestrated the murders over custody disputes linked to Jake Wagner's daughter with victim Hanna Rhoden.
The extensive investigation and lengthy trial have captured national attention, spotlighting not only the brutality of the crime but also the complex familial ties and motivations driving the violent acts. The families torn apart by this tragedy seek closure as they face the harrowing aftermath left behind.
While Jake Wagner's sentence offers him potential relief after 32 years, the gravity of the situation resonates deeply with victims’ families, still mourning their losses. The court will continue to see ramifications of this crime as Billy Wagner's actions and trial approach, leaving many to wonder about the justice system's capacity to address such grim realities.
The tragic events of Pike County remain fresh as those affected grapple with the aftermath, channeling their grief and anger amid the judicial processes still underway. The bond between justice and healing continues to be tested, leaving lasting scars both for the surviving victims’ families and the Wagner family.