WAVERLY, Ohio (WCPO/LEX 18)– Two women charged in connection to the Pike County, Ohio massacre appeared in court Thursday.
According to our media partners at WCPO, officials believe that Rita Jo Newcomb and Fredericka Carol Wagner were not directly involved in the slayings of eight members of the Rhoden family but helped cover up the crime.
Four members of the Wagner family, authorities said George “Billy” Wagner III, Angela Wagner, 48, George Wagner IV, 27, and Edward “Jake” Wagner, 26, each are facing eight counts of aggravated murder.
Newcomb is the mother of Angela Wagner and Fredericka Wagner is the mother of George “Billy” Wagner III, and both are grandmothers of George Wagner IV and Edward “Jake” Wagner. Angela, Billy, George and Jake Wagner are accused of killing the Rhodens.
In court, new details emerged in the case against Fredericka Wagner. According to the prosecutor, the Wagner family made a plan that if certain members got arrested for the murders, a revenge plot was made in Fredericka’s home against the sheriff, attorney general, and others.
Wagner III was captured in Lexington earlier this week. He waived his right to an extradition hearing and will be extradited to Ohio. He remains locked up in the Fayette County Detention Center.
Both Wagner and Newcomb entered a not guilty plea to all counts.
The judge set Wagner’s bond at $100K, with 10% required to get out.
