UPDATE @ 11:24 a.m.:
The second of two homicide suspects in the Rhoden family murders pleaded not guilty to charges in a Pike County court today.
George Wagner IV is facing 22 charges, including eight counts of aggravated murder.
George Wagner IV pleads not guilty to all counts. #PikeCountyMurdershttps://t.co/trvP2dP8qg pic.twitter.com/qPNndl3PvH
— Will Garbe (@WGarbeWHIO) November 28, 2018
His defense team requested bond, saying that George Wagner IV has no prior record and the he has been cooperative with authorities.
The prosecution argued that George Wagner IV and the other murder suspects talked about getting revenge on investigators, including Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. They claimed that George Wagner IV was the “most vocal in making those threats.”
Judge Randy Deering denied the request for bond.
George IV’s attorney asked for bond. Judge denied after Ohio AG’s office says G IV discussed revenge against DeWine and others and was “most vocal in making those threats”#PikeCountyMurders https://t.co/QScgNDHRoR pic.twitter.com/lXLDaThOre
— Will Garbe (@WGarbeWHIO) November 28, 2018
George Wagner IV also waived his right to a speedy trial.
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UPDATE @ 10:36 a.m.:
The arraignment for one of four homicide suspects in the Pike County murders is underway.
George Washington Wagner IV is now in court. Attorney is Charles Knight assisted by Richard Nash. #PikeCountyMurders pic.twitter.com/UswRTKqdQ5
— Will Garbe (@WGarbeWHIO) November 28, 2018
George Wagner IV was charged with aggravated murder, conspiracy, engaging in pattern of corrupt activity, tampering with evidence, unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance, forgery, unauthorized use of property, interception of wire, oral or electronic communications, obstructing justice and aggravated burglary.
Each aggravated murder count — one for each victim — carries a death sentence specification.
Members of the Rhoden family are present for the arraignment, as well as George Wagner IV’s aunt.
In court this morning is George IV’s aunt (Billy’s sister/Fredericka’s daughter) and Fredericka’s attorney, James Owen.
— Will Garbe (@WGarbeWHIO) November 28, 2018
Owen tells George IV’s attorney, “She just wants you to pass on to George that she loves him.”
Meantime, attorneys have left chambers.#PikeCountyMurders pic.twitter.com/5tuEDOCgrq
INITIAL REPORT:
The second suspect in the Rhoden family homicides will appear for arraignment at Pike County Common Pleas this morning.
RELATED: Pike County murders: First homicide suspect pleads not guilty
George Wagner IV, who is one of four capital murder defendants accused of killing eight of his neighbors in 2016, will appear in front of a Pike County Judge at 10 a.m.
His brother, Edward Jacob “Jake’ Wagner, pleaded not guilty Tuesday. He faces 23 charges, including aggravated murder.
The arraignment of the brothers’ mother, Angela Wagner, will be Thursday.
Their father, George “Billy” Wagner III, will be arraigned Dec. 4.
MORE ON THE PIKE COUNTY MURDERS:
- Court docs reveal custody battle at heart of killings
- Who are the Wagners? Pike County murder investigators want to know
- Timeline: The shocking events of the Pike County massacre
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