With more and more information about the Wagner trials becoming public, we examine the first DNA evidence the state has made public against the alleged killer family. How will this evidence come into play once George and Billy Wagner enter the courtroom? Plus, with Forensic Death Investigator Joseph Scott Morgan, we study parallels between the Rhoden murder and a crime from over 50 years ago. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/Pike...
Jul 06, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 7
As George and Billy Wager await their trials, locals anxiously await justice and grapple with understanding the increasingly complicated legal proceedings. Our team of experts examines and breaks down the evidence as well as what the trials could look like. We also take a closer look at the lawyers and judges who are helping shape the Wagner men’s fate. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMass...
Jun 29, 2022•48 min•Season 3Ep. 6
With George Wagner’s trial looming, key evidence against the man accused of helping to plot and kill 8 members of the Rhoden family is coming into focus. Outside of the courtroom, we’ve learned that for those closest to him, coming to terms with who George was and what he’s now being accused of is nearly impossible to reconcile. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com L...
Jun 22, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 5
As the eldest Wagner son prepares to start his trial, there are two key motions that will seemingly play a large part in the case. In this episode, we examine what those are and how they could affect George Wagner’s upcoming court proceedings. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com Learn more about your ad choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio....
Jun 15, 2022•45 min•Season 3Ep. 4
There are two other members of the Wagner family that haven’t received as much attention but play integral parts in the complex case. This week we explore the Wagner patriarch and the woman Jake Wagner married while in Alaska. Could uncovering truths about both of them lead us closer to what really happened? Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com Learn more about your ...
Jun 08, 2022•43 min•Season 3Ep. 3
While we’ve heard the details about the 2016 murder of the Rhoden family, little has been uncovered about the accused family…until now. With never before heard, first-hand accounts of the Wagner family’s dynamics, interactions and personalities, we begin to gain an understanding of what might have driven them to commit such atrocious acts. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-st...
Jun 01, 2022•41 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were brutally murdered in their homes. The crimes divided the small community of Pike County and spawned a mystery that spanned five years. For two seasons, The Piketon Massacre covered the case, which included the arrests of another local family with intrinsic ties to the victims, the Wagners. The accused pleaded their innocence until last year- on the 5th anniversary of the murders- one of the defendants changed his plea to guilty. Now, as season thr...
May 25, 2022•38 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Looking to get caught up on the intersection between the Rhoden and Wagner families as well as everything we’ve learned about the complex case before the season 3 premiere? In this episode we revisit the tragic story of the Rhoden family as well as the legal proceedings that followed. Starting Wednesday, May 25, listen to The Piketon Massacre, a production of KT Studios on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios ww...
May 20, 2022•1 hr 7 min
In 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were viciously murdered in their homes. For over six years, Ohio’s largest criminal investigation and biggest mystery have been filled with many unanswered questions. However, now with the trials starting and local residents opening up for the first time, we’re finally getting a glimpse into the night in question and perhaps more importantly, the minds of a killer family. Starting Wednesday, May 25, listen to The Piketon Massacre, a production of KT St...
May 18, 2022•3 min
From television and film, to podcasts and books, the true-crime genre is exploding across seemingly all media platforms. On a special bonus episode of the Piketon Massacre: Return to Pike County, we take an in-depth look at the popularity of true-crime stories and our own fascination with the darker side of humanity. A roundtable of psychologists and reporters give us their take on why they are drawn to these stories, the idea of being on the other side of a true-crime documentary, and what draw...
Jul 28, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 12
A trial date for accused brother George Wagner has been set for April 4th, 2022, in the Rhoden murder case. But, what will happen in the next few months, remains to be seen. In the season two finale, we answer the most pressing listener questions with a panel of Piketon Massacre regular contributors, including reporters Angenette Levy, James Pilcher and forensics expert Joseph Morgan. We explore the important role that listeners played in shaping the direction of the season. We also delve deeper...
Jul 21, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 11
A Rhoden family member puts us in touch with a friend whose family was struck by a tragic double murder. In episode ten, Piketon resident, Angie Montgomery, recounts the story of her cousin, Curtis Francis and his fiancée, Jennifer Burgette's murders in 2006. Angie takes us through the ups and downs of the 14 year investigation, including the discovery of an archive of eyewitness statements, the loss of potentially incriminating evidence and the work of one Cincinnati reporter who never gave up ...
Jul 14, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Pike County is no stranger to misconduct by local officials, as is seen in the case of former Pike County Sheriff, Charlie Reader. In part two of 25 Miles South, reporter Nikki Blankenship picks up where she left off in episode seven - exploring allegations of abuse of power in a community just south of PIketon. When Nikki comes into some damning information tying a Portsmouth, Ohio lawyer and former city councilman to long standing rumors of sex trafficking, her lead is followed up by reporters...
Jul 14, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Two months after Jake Wagner pled guilty to killing five of the eight Rhodens, accused brother George Wagner IV heads back to court for a pre-trial hearing. In episode eight, we catch up with regular Piketon Massacre contributors, Angenette Levy, Jody Barr and Joseph Morgan for a roundtable discussion, covering everything from George Wagner's most recent hearing, their earliest insights into the investigation and thoughts on the questions that continue to cloak the horrific crime in mystery. Lea...
Jun 30, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 8
About 30 minutes away from Piketon is Portsmouth, Ohio, a once bustling community that fell on hard times and became the epicenter of the Opioid crisis. In episode seven, we talk to local journalist, Nikki Blankenship, who did a deep investigation into the issues her hometown faced, including serious allegations of sex trafficking. What she found was that Pike County isn’t the only tight knit community with secrets. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omn...
Jun 23, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 7
At the time of the Rhoden murders, Chris Graves was working as a reporter for the Cincinnati Enquirer. As she began covering the story she had no idea what would transpire in Pike County. In episode six, we sit down exclusively with her as she recounts her experience being the only journalist to interview not only the surviving family members, but also the accused. Her perspective gives us a one of a kind insight into the massacre. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnet...
Jun 16, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The man who helped lead Ohio’s largest criminal investigation, Sheriff Charlie Reader went from being a well-liked public figure to finding himself at the center of a very different crime- one that placed him on the other side of the law. In episode 5, we look at the once beloved sheriff’s career, his involvement in the Rhoden case and his shocking fall from grace. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See om...
Jun 09, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 5
It’s been described as the most gruesome, complicated and long-lingering homicide cases the state of Ohio has ever seen. In episode four, alongside forensic expert, Joseph Morgan we look at the varying evidence that is sure to shape the upcoming trials. As we attempt to piece together what transpired in the Rhoden homes, the complicated forensics and crime scenes begin to make sense. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
Jun 02, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In episode three, we focus on the impact that Jake Wagner’s confession could have on his mother, father and older brother. Additionally, we unpack the current state of their trials and the future proceedings that will decide the fate of the family at the center of Ohio's biggest criminal investigation. Will they ultimately protect each other or will it become... Wagner vs. Wagner? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
May 26, 2021•52 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Special prosecutors described the Wagners as “cult like.” In episode two, we take a deeper look at the family that’s allegedly behind the massacre, speaking with a Pike County local who has an intimate connection to them. We also dissect the prosecution's theories on the family’s complex dynamics. On the surface, the Wagners may have seemed all American but behind closed doors, they were anything but. What we found out was far darker and more disturbing than anything we ever could have imagined....
May 19, 2021•50 min•Season 2Ep. 2
A photograph shows the Rhoden and the Wagner families embracing, in happier times. What would tear these families apart and cause a tragedy that would shake a community to its core? Just months before death sentence trials were set to begin and in the middle of production of this podcast- a shocking break in the case changes everything. The Piketon Massacre: Return to Pike County explores the ties that bind the two families at the center of Ohio's largest murder investigation. Episode 1 dives in...
May 12, 2021•48 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In 2016, eight members of the Rhoden family were viciously murdered in their homes. Two years later, four members of the Wagner family, were charged with the largest massacre in Ohio’s history. As justice plays out in the courtroom, the KT Studios team revisits Pike County to examine: crime-scene forensics, upcoming legal proceedings, and the ties that bind the victims and the accused. Starting Wednesday, May 12th listen to The Piketon Massacre: Return to PIke County, a production of KT Studios ...
May 05, 2021•3 min
Hey, Piketon Massacre listeners, check out this iHeartRadio & Shondaland Audio podcast – Criminalia. On Criminalia, hosts Holly Frey and Maria Trimarchi explroe the intersection of history and true crime. This season is all about lady poisoners. During the time that Chicago’s most visible criminal element was organized crime, Tillie Klimek was quietly becoming the city’s most prolific female serial killer. She allegedly killed between six and 20 people, all through arsenic poisoning. We hope...
Oct 27, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1
The most infamous crime that occurred in South Eastern Ohio is the murder of eight members of the Rhoden family. While four members of the Wagner family have been arrested and charged with the murders, the community knows all too well that in this area, there are often more questions than answers. In episode 10, we dive deeper into subjects we’ve only previously touched on such as the relationship between Angela and Billy Wagner and Sheriff Reader’s involvement in the case. Finally, we explore h...
Sep 30, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 10
With the Wagner family awaiting their day in court, the residents of Piketon are left to wonder how the largest criminal investigation in Ohio’s history will end. In episode nine, we explore unheard topics such as how the community reacted to the newfound attention and how our team began producing the podcast. We’ll also answer questions submitted by listeners that pertain to the case. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...
Sep 23, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 9
With Fredericka Wagner and Rita Jo Newcomb spared jail time in connection with the Rhoden murders, we turn our focus to the four other family members awaiting their days in court. In episode eight, we look at what life in prison is like for Billy, Angela, George and Jake Wagner, the four accused “trigger pullers” in the Rhoden murders. George has requested solitary confinement and Angela’s phone and mail privileges have been revoked. How does this affect their upcoming trials and overall quality...
Sep 16, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 8
With the Wagner family attempting to start a new life in Alaska, the investigation into the Rhoden murders in Piketon, Ohio moves forward. Episode seven tracks authorities’ moves as they narrow in on their suspects. We'll also explore another surprising move made by the Wagner family and the discovery of a key piece of evidence that leads to their arrests. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio....
Sep 09, 2020•46 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Ohio law enforcement officials spent over two years investigating the Rhoden murders. During that time, they received over 1,100 tips, conducted over 500 interviews and served nearly 200 search warrants. Episode six explores this exhaustive investigation, how authorities honed in on the Wagners, and how they think the family allegedly pulled off the gruesome massacre. We’ll also look at the Wagner’s moves in the two years following the Rhoden murders, including a shocking decision the family mad...
Sep 02, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In the aftermath of the arrest of six members of the Wagner family in connection with the Rhoden murders, many people across the country were shocked by the brutality of the massacre. But, for the Piketon, Ohio area, this grisly crime wasn’t exactly an anomaly. In episode five, we take a dive into the dark history of the Piketon, Ohio community. We investigate a wave of murders that were eerily similar to the Rhoden case, a spate of unsolved violent crimes and take a look into the underhanded ta...
Aug 26, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On November 13th, 2018, six members of the Wagner family were arrested in connection with the Rhoden family massacre, in Piketon, Ohio. While authorities claim that a custody dispute between Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden was the central motive, there are others that think that perhaps law enforcement officials may have the wrong people in custody. Episode four explores some of the alternative theories surrounding the “Piketon Massacre.” We look into the Rhoden family’s violent altercations with o...
Aug 19, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 4
