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The Piketon Massacre

True Crime

The most notorious mass murder in Ohio’s history happened on the night of April 21, 2016 in rural Pike County. Four crime scenes, thirty-two gunshot wounds, eight members of the Rhoden family left dead in their homes. Two years later a local family of four, the Wagners, are arrested and charged with the crimes. As the Wagners await four back-to-back capital murder trials, the KT Studios team revisits Pike County to examine: crime-scene forensics, upcoming legal proceedings, and the ties that bind the victims and the accused. As events unfold and new crimes are uncovered, what will it mean for all involved? What will it mean for Pike County?

Location:

United States

Genres:

True Crime

Description:

The most notorious mass murder in Ohio’s history happened on the night of April 21, 2016 in rural Pike County. Four crime scenes, thirty-two gunshot wounds, eight members of the Rhoden family left dead in their homes. Two years later a local family of four, the Wagners, are arrested and charged with the crimes. As the Wagners await four back-to-back capital murder trials, the KT Studios team revisits Pike County to examine: crime-scene forensics, upcoming legal proceedings, and the ties that bind the victims and the accused. As events unfold and new crimes are uncovered, what will it mean for all involved? What will it mean for Pike County?

Language:

English


Episodes
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Introducing: The Idaho Massacre Season 2

6/12/2024
Hi, Piketon Massacre listeners! iHeartPodcasts has geared up for a riveting new season of The Idaho Massacre hosted by Courtney Armstrong, Stephanie Lydecker, and Jeff Shane! On November 13, 2022, four students from the University of Idaho were brutally stabbed to death in an off-campus house. After a lengthy investigation and cross-country manhunt, a Ph.D. student from a neighboring university is charged with the crimes. As it turns out, the 28-year-old was majoring in criminology, studying the behavior of killers like the ones he would later be accused of becoming. Did he use his skills to become a real-life Dexter? Tune in to this top-tier true crime story, but don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself! Show Description: On November 13, 2022, four students from the University of Idaho are brutally stabbed to death in an off-campus house. After a lengthy investigation and cross-country manhunt, a Ph.D. student from a neighboring university is charged with the crimes. As it turns out, the 28-year-old was majoring in criminology, studying the behavior of killers like the ones he would later be accused of becoming. Did he use his skills to become a real-life Dexter? Were the Idaho victims his first, or was a serial killer hiding in the midst? The producers of The Piketon Massacre explore all sides of the shocking crime in pursuit of the truth. Listen to The Idaho Massacre on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:01:19

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The Verdict Is In

4/12/2023
As the trial draws to a close, George Wagner IV awaits the verdict that will determine his fate. The tight-knit community of Pike County braces itself for the inevitable fallout, as the outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences. Can the juror's decision help surviving Rhodens heal and eventually rise again? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:03:39

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George Wagner’s Final Day on the Stand

4/5/2023
After years of speculation, the motivations behind the Rhoden murders may finally be revealed as George Wagner IV's testimony and intense cross-examination comes to a close. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:04:03

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George Wagner Takes the Stand Part II

3/29/2023
George Wagner IV’s bombshell testimony continues. Will we finally uncover where the truth lies? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:52

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George Wagner Takes the Stand

3/22/2023
We’ve heard from experts, family members, and other insiders, but now for the first time ever we hear directly from accused murderer George Wager IV. Will his testimony sway the jury? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:26

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Angela Wagner Takes the Stand Part II

3/15/2023
As Angela Wagner’s testimony continues, she drops more bombshells on the stand that give us a glimpse at the night in question and its fallout. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:58

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Angela Takes the Stand

3/8/2023
What sort of mother would help her family plan the murder of 8 people? We’ve spent years speculating on Angela Wagner’s role in the Rhoden murders, but as she takes the stand, her story leaves us all shocked. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:44:40

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Jake Wagner On the Stand

3/1/2023
In possibly the biggest moment of the trial thus far, accused murderer George Wagner IV’s brother, Jake takes the stand and tells a stunned courtroom the details we’ve all been waiting for. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:35

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The Elizabeth Journals

2/22/2023
We’ve heard about Jake Wagner's wife Elizabeth before, but now the Alaska wife testifies and she’s not holding back. As one of the most mysterious figures in this story takes center stage, new information will change the course of the trial. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:51:56

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Relevancy

2/15/2023
More former Wagner allies take the stand to reveal the complex and sometimes disturbing relationships between the accused family. Will this information tie back to accused murderer, George Wagner IV? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:41:35

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Just Like the Movies

2/8/2023
For years, the Wagners were shrouded in mystery, but now family insiders take the stand providing invaluable insight into their complex dynamics. Also joining us is a founding board member of the Innocence Project and host of the podcast, Wrongful Conviction, Jason Flom. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:09

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The Matriarch Speaks

2/1/2023
The now-admitted murderer, Angela Wagner spent years denying her involvement in the massacre with a carefully crafted cover story. As the trial against George Wagner IV continues, the prosecution brings in taped interviews with the defendant’s mother. What exactly did Mrs. Wagner tell detectives and how will those statements affect her son now? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:45:56

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The Digital Trail

1/25/2023
When it came to covering up their alleged involvement in the Rhoden murders, the Wagners seemingly had an answer for every question. However, as we come to find out, cell phone data may prove to be their undoing. Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:45:59

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Closing in on the Wagners

1/18/2023
In this episode, we’re given the stunning opportunity to hear from accused father, Billy Wagner. But just how do these shocking recordings play into the case against his son, George Wagner IV? Subscribe to Apple Plus True Crime here: apple.co/thepiketonmassacre Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:42:18

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The Many Faces of George

1/11/2023
Thus far in the trial, we have heard a lot about the complicated and sometimes disturbing Wagner family dynamics, but now the accused becomes the focus of witness testimony. What can we learn from those who knew George Wagner IV the best? Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:35:55

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In Their Own Words

1/4/2023
With the trial ramping up, we hear a shocking first-hand account of what it was like to live with the Wagner family. How does the jury react and will George Wagner IV’s defense be able to combat this seemingly damning testimony? Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:10

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Connecting the Dots

12/14/2022
Without DNA evidence, the prosecution is honing in on ballistics as a critical key in the case against George Wagner IV. Our experts dissect crucial moments from the trial and how they may shape the remaining legal proceedings. The looming question remains, does the state have enough to connect the accused to the four crime scenes? Find out in the mid-season finale and mark your calendars as new episodes of The Piketon Massacre return Wednesday, January 4, 2023. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:41:52

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A Family Torn

12/7/2022
With details about the Wagner family continuing to come out in court, shocking testimony from Rhoden loved ones put the tragedy in a new light. Our team of experts continue to break down the case as it stands. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:44:08

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Every Body Has A Story

11/30/2022
For years we’ve only heard rumblings about the ways in which the Rhoden family were murdered in their homes, but now as the lead coroner takes the stand we finally learn all the details. With our team of experts, which includes leading forensic investigator Joseph Scott Morgan, we break down what the autopsies reveal and what they mean for the case against George Wagner IV. Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:46:45

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Mountains of Evidence

11/23/2022
With eight crime scenes, the prosecution sets out to present thousands of pieces of evidence to the jury. The KT Studios’ team alongside journalists, legal officials, and forensic experts analyze the state’s case against George Wagner. Is the prosecutor proving that the eldest Wagner son was in fact involved in the Rhoden murders? Check us out online: www.instagram.com/kt_studios www.instagram.com/PiketonMassacre www.twitter.com/PiketonMassacre www.facebook.com/PiketonMassacre www.kt-studios.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:49:52