Family massacre in Ohio: Suspect pleads not guilty, had been in custody dispute with one of victims

WAVERLY, Ohio -- One of the four suspects charged in the murder of the Rhoden family pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in court today.

Edward “Jake” Wagner was arraigned on aggravated murder charges in Pike County court.

It’s not clear what role Jake Wagner is suspected of playing in the 2016 murders of eight members of the Rhoden family. Investigators believe Jake Wagner was in a custody dispute with one of the victims, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden.

Authorities arrested Jake Wagner, his brother, George Wagner IV, and parents, George “Billy” Wagner III and Angela Wagner on Nov. 13. 

Jake Wagner faces additional charges for having sexual contact with Hanna Rhoden when she was 15 years old and he was 20.

Officials set the following court dates:

Edward “Jake” Wagner

•  9 a.m. Nov. 27

George Wagner IV 

• 10 a.m. Nov. 28 

Angela Wagner 

• 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29

George “Billy” Wagner

• 1:30 p.m. Dec. 4

FULL COVERAGE:

• 4 charged with murder; 2 charged with cover-up
• Pike County massacre suspect was in custody dispute with victim
• 'It's not enough to know who did it'
• Investigation, upcoming trials stretch tight county finances
• Grandmother charged in cover-up posts bond