Edward J. Wagner. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Columbus, OH. February 13, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

The Pike County Massacre: The Story of Edward "Jake" Wagner

Background

Edward "Jake" Wagner was born into the Wagner family in Pike County, Ohio. Raised in a rural setting, the Wagners were known in the community for their insular nature and tight-knit family bonds. Jake's early life was marked by a close association with his parents, George "Billy" Wagner III and Angela Wagner, and his older brother, George Wagner IV. The family maintained a self-sufficient lifestyle, often working together in various enterprises.

Jake's education was primarily home-based, with the Wagner family valuing privacy and self-reliance. This upbringing limited his interactions outside the family circle, fostering a deep-seated loyalty to his immediate relatives. In his late teens, Jake entered into a relationship with Hanna May Rhoden, a member of the neighboring Rhoden family. This relationship resulted in the birth of a daughter, further intertwining the lives of the Wagner and Rhoden families.

Criminal Activity

The seeds of the tragic events were sown in the custody dispute over Jake and Hanna's daughter. Fearing the loss of custody and control, the Wagner family devised a meticulous plan to eliminate those they perceived as threats. On the night of April 21-22, 2016, Jake, along with his parents and brother, executed a series of coordinated attacks on four separate properties belonging to the Rhoden family in Pike County.

The victims were: Christopher Rhoden Sr., his ex-wife Dana Rhoden, their children Hanna, Christopher Jr., and Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, Frankie's fiancée Hannah Gilley, and Christopher Sr.'s brothers Kenneth and Gary Rhoden. Most were shot multiple times while they slept, with some showing signs of bruising, indicating possible physical altercations prior to their deaths. Three young children, including Jake and Hanna's daughter, were present during the murders but were left unharmed.

The Wagner family's modus operandi involved extensive planning. They conducted surveillance of the Rhoden properties, familiarized themselves with the victims' routines, and took measures to avoid leaving forensic evidence. The primary motive was to secure custody of Jake's daughter, as the Wagners believed that eliminating the Rhoden family members would remove any legal challenges.

Legal Proceedings

The investigation into the murders was one of the most extensive in Ohio's history. In November 2018, after gathering substantial evidence, authorities arrested Jake Wagner, his parents, and his brother. They were charged with multiple counts, including aggravated murder and conspiracy.

On April 21, 2021, exactly five years after the murders, Jake Wagner pleaded guilty to all charges. As part of a plea agreement, he admitted to shooting five of the eight victims and agreed to testify against his family members. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. In January 2025, a judge sentenced Jake to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 32 years, acknowledging his cooperation with the investigation.

Angela Wagner also pleaded guilty to her role in the murders and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. George Wagner IV was convicted and received multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. George "Billy" Wagner III awaits trial.

Impact on Victims and Society

The massacre had a profound impact on the community and the surviving family members. The brutal nature of the killings left deep psychological scars on the victims' relatives and friends. The public and media were shocked by the calculated nature of the crime, especially given the familial ties between the perpetrators and the victims.

In response to the tragedy, there were calls for reforms in child custody laws and increased support for rural communities dealing with complex family dynamics. The case also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating crimes within insular communities.

Current Status

As of February 2025, Jake Wagner is incarcerated in an Ohio state correctional facility. He will be eligible for parole after serving 32 years. There have been no public reports of rehabilitation efforts on his part. Given the severity of his crimes, he is considered a significant threat to society should he be released.

Conclusion

The story of Edward "Jake" Wagner serves as a grim reminder of how familial loyalty and fear can culminate in unimaginable violence. It underscores the importance of early intervention in domestic disputes and the need for communities to remain vigilant and supportive. To prevent similar tragedies, it is crucial to foster open communication within families and provide accessible resources for conflict resolution.

Additional Note

Due to the notoriety of the case and the rarity of such items, obtaining an autographed item from Edward "Jake" Wagner could be considered valuable to certain collectors. However, ethical considerations regarding the commercialization of crime-related memorabilia should be taken into account.

VIDEO: The Pike County Murders [True Crime documentary] | https://youtu.be/GSiqMY50F20

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self-seal, stay-flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker than the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.