In The News 3 January 2025

Three more sentenced in 2016 Pike County murder case

Edward "Jake" Wagner was sentenced Friday to life in prison with a chance of parole after 32 years, in the 2016 Pike County massacre case.

Pike County Common Pleas Court visiting Judge Jonathan Hein said he could not give Wagner the same sentence as his brother, who was convicted in a lengthy 2022 trial and sentenced to life without parole.

Wagner, 32, had earlier agreed to serve eight consecutive life sentences without the chance of parole, along with up to 160 more years on other charges. Wagner admitted his guilt and provided key evidence to the prosecution, Hein said, and therefore deserved less time than his older brother, George Wagner IV.

When arrested with the rest of his family, Jake Wagner entered a not guilty plea. He admitted his guilt on the fifth anniversary of the Pike County homicides, admitting to shooting and killing Dana Manley Rhoden; her children, Frankie, Hanna and Chris Jr. Rhoden; and Frankie's future wife, Hannah Hazel Gilley. 

Wagner's father, who will soon face trial in the case, has been implicated in the remaining deaths – those of brothers Chris and Kenneth Rhoden, and their cousin, Gary Rhoden.

Judge Hein also sentenced his Wagner's mother, Angela Wagner, to 30 years without parole for her participation in the crimes.

In addition, Judge Hein sentenced Angela Wagner's mother, Rita Newcomb, on a misdemeanor charge in the case. She received a 90-day sentence, with credit for seven days served and the rest suspended; five years of probation; and a $750 fine.

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