Pike County massacre: Wagner family trials
The Ohio Supreme Court declined to hear George "Billy" Wagner III's appeal on July 8, 2026, allowing the death penalty to remain a potential sentence for his upcoming trial in the 2016 Pike County massacre. As of July 8, 2026: Billy Wagner's trial is proceeding with the death penalty as an option, while Jake Wagner and Angela Wagner are expected to be resentenced due to not completing their obligation to testify against Billy Wagner. An appeals court ordered new sentencing hearings for Angela and Jake Wagner on July 1, 2026, after finding their original sentences were improperly imposed before they fulfilled plea agreement conditions. Jake Wagner had previously agreed to testify against his father as part of a plea deal.
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July 2026 — 2 developments
Ohio Supreme Court denies Billy Wagner appeal, death penalty remains option for Pike County massacre trial
The Ohio Supreme Court has declined to hear George "Billy" Wagner III's appeal, allowing the death penalty to remain a potential sentence for his upcoming trial. Jake Wagner and Angela Wagner are expected to be resentenced due to not completing their obligation to testify against Billy Wagner before their initial sentencing.
Appeals Court Orders New Sentencing Hearings for Angela and Jake Wagner in Pike County Massacre Case
An appeals court has ordered new sentencing hearings for Angela and Jake Wagner, finding their original sentences were improperly imposed before they fulfilled plea agreement conditions, including testimony against co-defendants in the 2016 Pike County massacre. Billy Wagner's death penalty status is also in flux, with an appeals court overturning a judge's decision to remove it, a ruling his defense has appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court.
May 2026 — 1 developments
Ohio Supreme Court to consider Billy Wagner's death penalty appeal
As of April 2026, the Ohio Supreme Court is considering whether to hear Billy Wagner's appeal regarding the reinstatement of the death penalty specifications. The outcome of this appeal is expected to significantly influence the case's progression and the potential setting of a trial date. Wagner is the final family member to face trial for the 2016 Pike County massacre.
April 2026 — 1 developments
Judge intends to dismiss death penalty for Billy Wagner, will sentence Jake and Angela Wagner before trial
A judge indicated an intention to dismiss the death penalty specification for Billy Wagner in November 2024, a decision that surprised prosecutors. The judge also signaled he would sentence Jake and Angela Wagner before Billy Wagner's trial.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Jake Wagner to Testify Against Father George 'Billy' Wagner III in Plea Deal
Jake Wagner has agreed to testify against his father, George "Billy" Wagner III, as part of a plea deal. This development comes as Billy Wagner's trial, which has been moved out of Pike County and is tentatively scheduled for October, faces the possibility of the death penalty being reinstated.
February 2026 — 6 developments
Billy Wagner's trial for 2016 Pike County massacre scheduled for March 2026
Edward "Jake" Wagner pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and was sentenced to life with parole after 32 years, while Angela Wagner received 30 years for conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, and George Wagner IV was sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty of eight counts of aggravated murder. Billy Wagner's trial for the 2016 Pike County massacre is now scheduled for March 2026.
Billy Wagner makes first court appearance after death penalty reinstated in Pike County massacre case
Billy Wagner made his first court appearance since the death penalty was reinstated in his Pike County massacre case. He is the last of his family members to face trial for the 2016 murders of seven Rhoden family members and Hannah Gilley.
Ohio Appeals Court reinstates death penalty for George Wagner III in Pike County massacre case
An Ohio Appeals Court has overturned a previous ruling, reinstating the possibility of the death penalty for George "Billy" Wagner III in the Pike County massacre case. His defense team intends to appeal this decision to the Ohio Supreme Court. This development follows arguments in court regarding the death penalty specifications.
Judge Delays George Wagner III Trial to 2026, Moves Venue Out of Pike County
George "Billy" Wagner III's trial in the 2016 Pike County massacre is now expected to begin no earlier than October 2026. A judge ruled on February 9, 2026, to move the trial out of Pike County due to the difficulty of seating an unbiased jury. Plea deals were also discussed during a pre-trial hearing.
George Wagner III returns to court for pre-trial hearing, plea deals and death penalty debated
George "Billy" Wagner III returned to court on February 9, 2026, for a pre-trial hearing where plea deals were discussed, and attorneys debated whether he should face the death penalty. The judge noted the case is "past due" and needs resolution.
George Billy Wagner III, Piketon Massacre figure, to appear in court February 2026
George Billy Wagner III, the central figure in the 2016 Piketon Massacre, is scheduled to appear in court on February 9, 2026. He has been held since his November 2018 indictment and has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges, including eight counts of aggravated murder. A trial date and location are still pending.
April 2025 — 1 developments
George Wagner's defense files motion for change of venue in Pike County massacre case
A pre-trial hearing was held on April 25, 2025, for George "Billy" Wagner concerning the Pike County massacre. The defense filed a motion for a change of venue, which the state opposed. The prosecution also has pending appeals regarding the dismissal of death penalty specifications and the change of venue.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Rita Newcomb sentenced to five years probation for lying to investigators
Rita Newcomb, Angela Wagner's mother, is sentenced to five years of probation for lying to investigators.
November 2024 — 2 developments
Ohio judge moves George Wagner III murder trial out of Pike County due to publicity
An Ohio judge has granted a defense request to move George 'Billy' Wagner III's trial out of Pike County. The judge cited pretrial publicity as the reason for the change of venue. Wagner is accused in the 2016 massacre of eight members of the Rhoden family.
Judge dismisses death penalty for George Wagner III, moves trial out of Pike County
George "Billy" Wagner III will not face the death penalty if convicted in the Pike County massacre. A judge dismissed the death penalty specifications due to missed deadlines for an agreement between prosecutors and Wagner's lawyers. Additionally, the judge ruled that Wagner's trial will not be held in Pike County because of extensive pre-trial publicity.
May 2024 — 1 developments
Pike County massacre: Wagner death penalty case goes to Ohio Supreme Court
George 'Billy' Wagner III's defense team has appealed the reinstatement of the death penalty specification to the Ohio Supreme Court. The court will now decide whether to hear the case, leaving Wagner's trial in limbo.
June 2019 — 1 developments
Charges against Fredericka Wagner, Billy Wagner's mother, dropped
Charges against Fredericka Wagner, Billy Wagner's mother, are dropped.