New judge assigned in Billy Wagner murder trial

In the murder case of George Washington “Billy” Wagner a new judge has been assigned.

The trial cannot be heard by Pike County Common Pleas Court Judge Rob Junk, because Junk was prosecutor and assisted in the investigation and trial of Wagner’s son, a co-defendant.

R. Alan Corbin, a retired judge from Brown County was originally chosen by the Ohio Supreme Court to be the judge to hear the case, but on Friday, August 2, retired Darke County Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Hein took the bench in Pike County Common Pleas Court.

Hein spoke about how important it was for the attorneys to inform the judge of the next steps and the urgency. He also told the attorneys to inform the court of which motions held priority.

Hein expressed his wish to have a court appearance scheduled each month until the trail starts. Until then (Billy) Wagner will remain incarcerated at the Butler County Jail where he is being held without bond.

Wagner along with his two sons and wife are accused of planning, executing and attempting to cover up the killings of seven members of the Rhoden family and Hannah Gilley in April 2016.

His younger son, Jake, and wife, Angela, reached plea deals with the state and testified against Billy’s eldest son George, who was convicted of the 22 counts in the fall of 2002.

Billy Wagner’s trial is scheduled to begin January 6, 2025 in Pike County Common Pleas Court.