Episode 173

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Published on:

25th Mar 2025

[TRUE CRIME] - The Truth Behind the Pike County Murders

In 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were brutally murdered in Pike County, Ohio. At first, investigators had no idea how an entire family could be wiped out in a single night without a clear motive? But as the investigation unfolded, it revealed a disturbing story of obsession, control, and a custody battle that escalated into a calculated massacre.

 

In this episode of Beach House 34, we walk through the chilling details of the Pike County Massacre—from the initial 911 calls to the shocking arrests. You’ll hear about the twisted family dynamics, the failed attempts to gain custody, and the elaborate plan that ended in the deaths of eight innocent people.

 

This case will leave you questioning how far someone is willing to go to get what they want—and whether justice can ever be enough.

 

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💬 Join the conversation in the comments—and let us know your thoughts on this case.

 

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Sources:

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/News-Releases/November-2018/Pike-County-Homicides-Family-Arrested

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Briefing-Room/News-Releases/Special-Prosecutions/PikeCountyAdditionalIndictments

https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Files/Briefing-Room/Newsletters/Criminal-Justice-Update-(Printable-PDF)/winter-2019-FINAL https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/GMO_00000000464489_01/3f243e35-c3ab-3f7d-8acb-89de113784b8?orig_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fchatgpt.com%2F

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/04/22/pike-county-massacre-jake-wagner-pleads-guilty-eight-murders/7332051002/

https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/10/25/pike-county-massacre-george-wagner-trial-live-updates/69593852007/

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/investigations/who-killed-the-rhodens

https://lawandcrime.com/live-trials/live-trials-current/george-wagner-iv-trial/

https://www.whio.com/news/local/timeline-pike-county-massacre-investigation/HHU4YYOUKZBCVFFKXTUFHSSS2A/

https://www.wdtn.com/news/crime/pike-county-massacre/

https://www.chillicothegazette.com/story/news/2022/11/28/pike-county-massacre-george-wagner-trial-updates/69673293007/

https://www.fox19.com/news/pike-county-massacre/

https://www.wlwt.com/article/pike-county-family-massacre-timeline-of-events/29402192

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Kristine W

Lover of true crime, scary stories, horror films, and ghost hunting. Kristine is a down-to-earth, opinionated, smart-mouthed Gen X'er who enjoys sharing these stories with you.