Edited:

Pike County massacre suspect George 'Billy' Wagner III pleads not guilty


By WCPO News Staff

WAVERLY, Ohio -- The fourth suspect accused of killing eight members of the Rhoden family in the Pike County massacre pleaded not guilty Tuesday.

George "Billy" Wagner III, 47, is facing 22 charges, including eight counts of aggravated murder with death penalty specifications. He waived his right to a speedy trial and will be held without bond.

Wagner's next court date is scheduled for Jan. 17.

Authorities said that Wagner, along with his wife, Angela Wagner, and their two sons, George Wagner IV and Edward "Jake" Wagner, killed the eight victims on April 22, 2016 after months of planning. The three other members of the family have also pleaded not guilty and are being held without bond.

The judge issued gag orders for law enforcement and others involved in the cases, preventing them from speaking about it publicly.

https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/pike...-court-tuesday