In a Pike County courtroom on Friday, Judge Jonathan Hein sentenced Jake Wagner to eight life sentences with the possibility of parole after 32 years for his role in the brutal 2016 murders of eight members of the Rhoden and Gilley families. Wagner had previously pleaded guilty to the murders, which occurred on April 22, 2016, and took the lives of eight victims: Christopher Rhoden Sr., Dana Rhoden, Hanna May Rhoden, Christopher Rhoden Jr., Clarence “Frankie” Rhoden, Gary Rhoden, Hannah “Hazel” Gilley, and Kenneth Rhoden.
Wagner’s sentence deviated from a plea deal that would have seen him serve eight life sentences without the possibility of parole. Judge Hein cited concerns about gender bias and questioned the leniency given to Wagner’s mother, Angela Wagner, who had previously received a “good deal” for her cooperation with the prosecution.
The emotional courtroom saw various members of the victim’s families address the Wagner family. Andrea Shoemaker, the mother of Hannah “Hazel” Gilley, expressed her anger and sorrow, stating that no amount of apology could ease her pain. She condemned Angela Wagner’s involvement in the planning and execution of the murders. The family of the victims criticized the early sentencing, with some voicing concerns about the fairness of the process.
Jake Wagner, who testified during his brother George Wagner’s trial, spoke directly to the victims’ families. He expressed deep regret, stating that no apology could ever alleviate the suffering caused by his actions. Wagner emphasized his faith and said that he continued to pray for the families affected by his crimes.
The Wagners’ sentencing had been delayed due to legal challenges, with prosecutors previously filing requests to disqualify Judge Hein from overseeing the case. Despite these objections, the sentencing proceeded as scheduled. Jake’s plea deal included dismissing the death penalty in exchange for his testimony at future trials, and while his sentence could still extend to multiple life terms, it is clear that his role in the events of 2016 will continue to impact both his family and the victims’ families for years to come.
