George Wagner IV (centre left) was given eight existence sentences (Picture: AP)
A MAN who slaughtered eight members of the similar circle of relatives as they slept has been jailed for life.
George Wagner IV, 31, plotted the bloodbath of the Rhoden circle of relatives with his brother, Edward ‘Jake’ Wagner, and mother Angela Wagner. His father George ‘Billy’ Wagner III could also be accused however has pleaded no longer guilty and is awaiting trial.
The victims had been all shot within the head in cell homes throughout Pike County in rural Ohio in April 2016.
George maintained his innocence within the trial but his mom testified towards him, announcing the dispute began whilst her different son, Jake, wanted to kill Hanna Rhoden, the mother of his kid.
The Wagners suspected Jake and Hanna’s daughter, Sophia, was once being sexually abused via a member of the Rhoden circle of relatives, and have become ‘obsessed’ with gaining complete custody of her.
Angela instructed the courtroom they spotted redness and swelling across the -12 months-vintage’s genitals, however by no means reported it to the police or kid protecting services.
Out of fear of Jake being killed as revenge for murdering Hanna, Angela stated they made up our minds to kill the rest of her family.
Jake Wagner’s testimony was once a part of an association with prosecutors that spared him from being sentenced to dying. George Wagner IV, whose trial has entered its eighth week in Pike County court docket, faces the loss of life penalty if he is convicted in the slayings of the Rhoden family close to Piketon, Ohio. Jake and George’s mother, Angela Wagner, additionally pleaded to blame to serving to plan the slayings, and may be expected to testify. Jake and George’s father, George “Billy” Wagner III, has pleaded not in charge. He most likely would possibly not move on trial until 2023. (Ohio Lawyer General’s administrative center by the use of AP, Report)”/>Pictured: George ‘Billy’ Wagner III (most sensible left), Angela Wagner (best right), George Wagner IV (backside left) and Edward ‘Jake’ Wagner (backside right) (Image: AP)
George Wagner IV escaped the loss of life penalty after his brother took a plea deal (Picture: AP)
The victims had been identified as Christopher Rhoden Sr, FORTY, Dana Rhoden, 37, their kids Clarence Rhoden, 20, Hanna Rhoden, 19, Christopher Rhoden Jr, 16, Clarence’s fiancée Hannah Gilley, 20, brother Kenneth Rhoden, 44, and cousin Gary Rhoden, 38.
In October, George’s brother Jake pleaded accountable and took accountability for 5 of the killings, whilst Angela admitted planning the murders.
Studying out George’s eight lifestyles sentences, Judge Randy Deering stated: ‘The court docket, reasonably frankly, reveals that the defendant has shown no remorse.
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