Rhoden family massacre becomes personal for victim advocate
One of the four Pike County murder suspects is now being housed in Butler County.
George "Billy" Wagner was booked into the Butler County jail at 5:45 a.m. Monday.
Authorities are not saying if this is where he will remain.
Pike County does not have its own jail, so the suspects have been placed in four different jails in the region.
George "Billy" Wagner's wife, Angela Wagner, is in the Delaware County jail.
Their son, George Wagner IV, is in the Ross County jail, and their other son, Edward "Jake" Wagner, is being held in the Franklin County jail.
In the meantime, a man who has been at the side of the victims' families since the start opens up about how this case has affected him.
"From day one, when we first met them, the day of the tragedy, 22 of April, 2016, we've stayed in constant contact," said David Dickerson, victim advocate for the Pike County Prosecutor's Office.
Dickerson was there for the Rhodens, Manleys and Gilleys when they learned eight of their loved ones had been murdered, and he stayed by their side days later, when the victims were laid to rest.
Dickerson said he typically keeps families at arm's length, but in this case, he's wrapped his arms around them.
"We all became very close with this family," Dickerson said. "They're just the type of family you will draw close to. I've watched the family grow in strength. I've watched them entrust me. I've entrusted them."
Dickerson was with family members when arrests were made.
"Very hopeful and they were very over-joyous and celebratory the other night when we were all together, that Tuesday night during the arrests," Dickerson said.
He said the families were always tight, but he has watched the bond between the three families strengthen during the last couple of years.
"I have noticed they are leaning on each other more, which is good. I invite that. I want them to become close," Dickerson said.
As the cases move through the justice system, Dickerson said part of his job is to remain honest with the family.
"From the time that I met them until today, they know that they can trust me, that I'll be honest with them at all cost, and that I'm there for them," Dickerson said. "We have to have patience. We spoke of that a couple of days ago when we first made the arrests. I said, 'We're going to have to have patience through this. You've trusted us for 2 1/2 years. You've trusted law enforcement, BCI, the AG's office, definitely the sheriff's office. You've entrusted us and my prosecution office. Continue that trust. We won't let you down. We'll get through this. We don't have a conviction yet. We just have an arrest," Dickerson said.
Arraignments for the four murder suspects have not been set yet.
They will all take place in Pike County, likely some time next week.
"We have a long road ahead of us, and I'm right by their side," Dickerson said.
One of the two grandmothers accused of trying to cover up the murders has posted bond and has been released from jail. Fredericka Wagner will be on electronically monitored house arrest at the Wagner family farm in Camp Creek Township. She is also barred from contacting the Rhoden family.
The other grandmother charged, Rita Newcomb, has not posted bond and remains behind bars.