Grandmothers accused of cover-up in Rhoden slayings plead not guilty



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WAVERLY, Ohio – Two women in connection with the Pike County massacre pleaded "not guilty" in a Pike County court Thursday.

Rita Jo Newcomb and Fredericka Carol Wagner were not directly involved in the slowing down of eight members of the Rhoden family, but helped cover the crime, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said earlier this week.

MORE: Family meticulously planned massacre, DeWine says

Newcomb, 65, and Wagner, 76 are facing charges of obstructing justice and perjury. Newcomb is also involved with forgery. They were held in the Pickaway County Jail.

A judge set Wagner's bond at $ 100,000 and Newcomb's bond at $ 50,000, both with a 10 percent option. He placed both women under house arrest and their respective homes and said they could have no contact with members of the family.

The state had requested a $ 200,000 bond for each of the women, saying they lied to an investigative grand jury. The Prosecutors also said that they would like to have a look at him or her, and that they would have inquired about the nature of the complaint. were caught, and discussed how they could escape.

Wagner's defense attorney described as a Sunday school teacher who has never been charged with a crime, or even issued a parking ticket. Newcomb's attorney describes her as a grandmother on a fixed income.

Newcomb is the mother of Angela Wagner and Frederick Wagner is the mother of George "Billy" Wagner III, and both are grandmothers of George Wagner IV and Edward "Jake" Wagner. Angela, Billy, George and Jake Wagner are accused of killing the Rhodens.

Christopher Rhoden Sr., 40; Dana Rhoden, 37; Hannah Gilley, 20; Christopher Rhoden Jr., 16; Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, 20; Gary Rhoden, 37; Hanna Rhoden, 19; and Kenneth Rhoden, 44, were all killed in the April 2016 slayings.

DeWine said the Wagners spent planning the killings and how to cover their tracks.

Jake Wagner and Hanna Rhoden had a child together. DeWine said custody of the child "plays a role in this case."

Billy Rhoden appeared in a Kentucky court Wednesday. He waived his right to an extradition hearing, and authorities said he will be returned to Ohio soon.

The other suspects are being held in various Ohio jails, but have not yet appeared in court. Jake Wagner's arraignment is scheduled for Friday.

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