PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — A conviction is in, but now the Pike County community rocked by the killings of Rhoden family members awaits the sentencing of George Wagner IV.
What You Need To Know
- George Wagner IV was found guilty on all 22 counts from the 2016 massacre in Pike County
- Eight members of Rhoden family were killed, seven adults and a teenager
- A sentencing date has not been set
“Hopefully, this will never happen again,” said Scott Smith, a Pike County resident.
This may be a quaint little town in Pike County, but Scott Smith didn’t expect it to be the scene of murders.
“I didn’t realize that this was that kind of place,” said Smith. “It was all speeding tickets and parking tickets… is all you ever got around here. Then, all of a sudden boom.”
In the 25 years Smith has lived and worked here, he never heard of any problems, except for the massacre in 2016. That year, eight members of the Rhoden family were killed.
George Wagner IV is the first to be convicted of the crimes by a jury. Two others pleaded guilty. His father is still awaiting trial.
The trial lasted 13 weeks and involved 60 witnesses, but jurors only needed a few hours of deliberation to deliver the verdict Prosecutor Rob Junk was hoping for all along.
“It was absolutely relieving,” said Junk.
Wagner was convicted on all 22 counts: Eight counts of aggravated murder and 14 other related offenses.
“The evidence there was beyond reasonable doubt,” said Junk. “Now everyone knows what happened. It really was a relief, and justice was done.”
Meanwhile, Wagner’s sentence still lies ahead.
He’s facing the possibility of life without parole as part of the deal reached by prosecutors and other accused family members who agreed to testify against him.
Until then, residents like Smith share their condolences to the Rhoden family.
“I did not know the family at all, but I’m sure this brings some closure to them, and I wish them the best,” Smith said.
Wagner’s sentencing date has not been set yet.
