( Pike County, Ohio ) - The first of four suspects charged with aggravated murder and more in the 2016 Rhoden family murders was arraigned on Tuesday.
26-Year-Old Edward "Jake" Wagner pleaded not guilty to eight counts of aggravated murder and 15 other charges. Among the victims, 19-year-old Hanna Rhoden whom Wagner fathered a child with. Investigators have said they believe custody of that child played a role in the brutal killings of Hanna and seven of her relatives.
The judge ordered Wagner to be held without bond and put a gag order in place, preventing anyone involved in the case from speaking publicly. Wagner waived his right to a speedy trial.
Wagner, his 27-year-old brother, and their parents are all accused of planning and executing the murders of members of the Rhoden family. Their arraignments are planned over the next week or so.