Drama unfolded in an Ohio courtroom on Friday as a convicted killer faced sentencing for his role in a horrifying massacre of eight people over a custody battle. The killings happened in Pike County, and the story is as shocking as it is heartbreaking.
Back in April 2021, Edward “Jake” Wagner, now 32, confessed to murdering members of the Rhoden and Gilley families. His confession came exactly five years after the tragic discovery of the victims at three homes and a camper in the rural area. The crime stemmed from a bitter dispute over a child custody arrangement.
Jake Wagner wasn’t the only family member involved. Two others, Angela Wagner, 54, and her mother, Rita Newcomb, 72, also admitted to playing roles in the terrible events. Both women were sentenced earlier on Friday and remained in the courtroom during Jake’s hearing.
Emotions ran high during the sentencing, especially when Andrea Shoemaker Carver, the mother of one of the victims, Hannah Hazel Gilley, addressed the court. Hannah, just 20 years old, was killed alongside her fiancé, Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, also 20. Both were shot multiple times in the head. They left behind a 6-month-old baby, who, miraculously, was unharmed. Two other children also survived the night of horror.
Andrea Carver didn’t hold back her emotions, calling Jake Wagner and his family “evil.” Her voice broke as she said, “You killed your granddaughter’s mother. You’re evil. You are the spawn of Satan.”
Meanwhile, George “Billy” Wagner III, the father of Jake and another suspect in the case, awaits trial. His hearing has been delayed indefinitely due to legal appeals. Jake’s older brother, George Wagner IV, wasn’t so fortunate. He was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to eight consecutive life sentences plus 121 years in prison.
For Jake Wagner, the sentence was unexpected. Initially, he faced a plea agreement that called for eight consecutive life sentences without parole. But visiting Judge Jonathan Hein tore up that deal, saying it didn’t make sense given Jake’s cooperation with law enforcement.
Instead, Jake was sentenced to 32 years to life with the possibility of parole after serving 32 years. This lighter sentence took into account his guilty plea and assistance in the case. Jake provided key evidence, including the location of the murder weapons, and even testified against his brother. The judge emphasized that while Jake’s actions were monstrous, his cooperation played a role in the decision.
Judge Hein also addressed the disparity in sentencing among the Wagner family. Angela Wagner, Jake’s mother, received 30 years in prison, which the judge criticized as lenient. He attributed this to a perceived gender bias, noting that Angela could have prevented the murders but chose not to.
The hearing reached an emotional peak when Jake addressed the court. He spoke at length about his faith, claiming that his arrest was an act of divine intervention. “I am not sorry I got caught,” he said. “I’m sorry for what I’ve done. But I one hundred percent believe that Jesus made me get caught so I could face what I’ve done.”
While he spoke about repentance and forgiveness, members of the victims’ families began leaving the courtroom in protest. The quiet yet powerful walkout reflected their anger and grief, a stark reminder of the pain caused by Jake’s actions.
This case has gripped Pike County for years, and Friday’s hearing was another chapter in a story filled with loss, betrayal, and unanswered questions. For the families of the victims, the journey toward justice continues, even as they grapple with the devastating impact of these events.
