PIKE COUNTY — Edward “Jake” Wagner has pleaded guilty to eight counts of aggravated murder for his role in the Pike County killings, according to our partners at WCPO.
Wagner appeared in court Thursday, exactly five years after eight members of the Rhoden family were found killed in their Pike County homes.
>> Pike County murders: Court documents reveal new details
Wagner also pleaded guilty to the following:
- Felony conspiracy — Punishable by up to 11 years in prison
- Four counts of aggravated burglary — Punishable by 11 years in prison, max fine of $20,000
- Unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance, fifth-degree felony — Punishable by 12 months in prison
- Multiple counts of tampering with evidence
- Forgery — Punishable by up to 12 months in prison
- Unauthorized use of property — Punishable by up to 12 months
- Interception of wire, oral communications — Punishable by up to 18 months
- Obstruction of justice — Punishable by up to 12 month
- Engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity — Punishable by up to 11 years
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor — Punishable by up to 18 months
As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the possibility of the death penalty for Wagner and his family.
>> Pike County murders: Death penalty possible for 4 of 6 arrested in Rhoden killings
The murder victims are Hannah Rhoden, 19; her father Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; his wife, Dana Rhoden, 37; their sons, Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16, and Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, 20; Frankie’s fiance, Hannah Gilley, 20; and relatives Kenneth Rhoden, 44, and Gary Rhoden, 38.
A child shared between Jake Wagner and Hannah Rhoden played a part in the killings, according to previous reports.
Jake Wagner’s mother, Angela Wagner, his father, George “Billy” Wagner III, and his brother, George Wagner IV, were charged in the deaths of eight members of the Rhoden family.
Cox Media Group
