Pike County murders: Third homicide suspect pleads not guilty

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

UPDATE @ 2:53 p.m.:

Angela Wagner, the third homicide suspect in the Pike County murders, pleaded not guilty to all 22 charges.

She will be held without bail.

Angela Wagner also waived her right to a speedy trial.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

INITIAL REPORT:

The third of four suspects charged with killing eight members of the Rhoden family will be arraigned in court today.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Second homicide suspect pleads not guilty to charges

Angela Wagner, her husband George "Billy" Wagner III, and adult sons, Edward "Jake" Wagner and George Wagner IV have all been charged with eight counts of aggravated murder; one count conspiracy; four counts aggravated burglary; one count unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance; three counts evidence tampering, and one count each of forgery, unauthorized use of property, interception of wire, oral or electronic communication, obstructing justice and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.

Each aggravated murder count — one for each victim — carries a death sentence specification.

Her sons, Edward "Jake" Wagner and George Wagner IV, appeared in court earlier this week and pleaded not guilty. The Rhoden family members were shot execution style on April 22, 2016.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

RELATED: Who are the Wagners? Pike County murder investigators want to know 

Authorities have said a possible motive was a custody dispute over Jake Wagner's daughter with one of the victims, Hanna Rhoden.

Both of the Wagner brothers are being held without bond.

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.”

George "Billy" Wagner III will be arraigned Tuesday.

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