Pastor preaches of peace, comfort after arrests in Pike County murders
Four members of the Wagner family are accused of killing the Rhodens over a child and a custody battle
Four members of the Wagner family are accused of killing the Rhodens over a child and a custody battle
Four members of the Wagner family are accused of killing the Rhodens over a child and a custody battle
Two grandmothers accused of helping to cover up the Pike County murders will face a judge on Thursday morning.
A pastor who reached out to help the families involved said he's prayed for justice for a long time.
He said the family is thanking God after the arrests in the case.
He said the case has been heartbreaking and traumatic, and from the very start, his church has welcomed those affected in with open arms.
"Really, it's mind-boggling how one family can come in and murder another family," Union Hill Church pastor Phil Fulton said.
Fulton has seen tears and pain for two and a half years, after eight members of the Rhoden family were killed execution-style in four homes back in 2016.
"It's heartbreaking, it's heart-wrenching and these last two and a half years have been very tragic," Fulton said.
Four members of the Wagner family are accused of killing the Rhodens. Investigators said a custody battle played a role in the slayings.
Investigators said the Wagners wanted Sophia, the daughter of Hanna Rhoden and Jake Wagner, who were once together.
It was an obsession prosecutors said led to the meticulous planning of the brutal killings in April 2016 by George "Billy" Wagner, Angela Wagner, George Wagner IV and Jake Wagner.
"Now, finally, there can be some closure. Yesterday's one of the happiest days I've had for a long time," Fulton said.
On Wednesday, George "Billy" Wagner appeared in court in Lexington, Kentucky, where he was arrested.
He waived extradition and will be brought back to Pike County, Ohio, any day.
On Thursday, Rita Newcomb and Fredericka Wagner, two grandmothers charged in the coverup of the murders, are expected to face a judge themselves.
For now, there's a message of comfort and peace at Fulton's church.
"We have prayed for justice to be served, and I think it'll be served," Fulton said.
At least one Rhoden family member has posted to social media about the arrests and said there's no true closure, as they hope their family rests in peace.