Jake Wagner Sentenced to Life with Parole in Pike County Massacre

WAVERLY, Ohio – Edward “Jake” Wagner, one of the key figures in the 2016 Pike County massacre, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 32 years on Friday. The decision by visiting Judge Jonathan Hein marked a dramatic shift from an earlier plea agreement that would have kept Wagner behind bars for life without parole.

Wagner, 32, had previously agreed to serve eight consecutive life sentences without parole, plus up to 160 additional years for other charges. However, Hein cited Wagner’s cooperation with prosecutors and his admission of guilt as reasons for the reduced sentence. “Because you cooperated, because you did something to acknowledge the responsibility of the crime,” Hein said. “That’s not a deal, that’s as close as I can come to solving the problem that was handed to me by these ancient plea agreements.”

Wagner pleaded guilty to the aggravated murders of five members of the Rhoden family, including his former partner Hanna Rhoden and her relatives. The killings, which occurred in April 2016, were part of a larger massacre that left eight members of the Rhoden family dead across three properties in Pike County. Prosecutors said the murders were motivated by a custody dispute over Wagner’s child with Hanna Rhoden.

During the sentencing, Wagner addressed the Rhoden family, speaking about his faith and expressing remorse. “Forgiveness is a powerful thing,” he said. “Jesus has a cost. I do pray for you all.” His statement followed a lengthy trial in 2022 that resulted in his older brother, George Wagner IV, receiving a life sentence without parole.

Angela Wagner, Jake’s mother, was also sentenced on Friday to 30 years in prison without parole for her role in the crimes. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated burglary. Hein criticized her for failing to intervene, stating, “You were the only one who could have shut it down.”

Rita Newcomb, Angela Wagner’s mother, received a 90-day sentence, with credit for time served, and five years of probation for her involvement in creating false custody documents. The Wagners’ father, George “Billy” Wagner, is set to stand trial in January 2025.

The Pike County massacre remains one of Ohio’s most notorious crimes, with the victims including Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, their children, and other family members. Most were shot multiple times in the head, and three young children at the scene were unharmed. Jake Wagner’s cooperation with prosecutors provided critical evidence, including details of the planning and execution of the murders.