Thread by @jbalmert

All four Wagners are facing the death penalty for the Pike County killings.

cincinnati.com/story/news/201…

"They were brutally and viciously executed," @MikeDeWine says. The murders were meticulously planned.

"The custody of that young child plays a role in this case," @MikeDeWine says. Hanna Rhoden, a victim, and Jake Wagner shared a daughter.

"We've been gathering evidence in this case for two-and-a-half years," @MikeDeWine says. Investigative grand jury was impaneled this July. Last piece of evidence found 10/30 and processed.

@MikeDeWine Four suspects are also charged with forging child custody documents.

@MikeDeWine Two more were arrested in connection with the alleged cover up.

.@MikeDeWine says investigators went to 10 states, including significant time in Alaska.
cincinnati.com/story/news/201…

"To the Rhoden family, the Manley family and the Gilley family, I know that the past 2.5 years have been really tough, agonizing," @MikeDeWine said. "We appreciate your patience."

Pike County Sheriff Reader: "They did this quickly, coldly, calmly and very carefully -- but not carefully enough."

Left parts to build a silencer, forged documents, etc.

"Today is a very good day, a brighter day here in Pike County," Sheriff Reader says.

Pike County Prosecutor Rob Junk reminds public that four suspects with multiple charges will take time to prosecute.
"There is a lot of hard work ahead of us."

.@MikeDeWine says he has no evidence that others are involved (beyond four charged with murder and two accused of helping with cover up.)

@MikeDeWine .@MikeDeWine says he briefed Ohio's next attorney general @Yost4Ohio on the case.

@MikeDeWine @Yost4Ohio Billy Wagner was arrested in Fayette County, KY.
Angela Wagner was arrested at her home in Scioto County.
Jake and George Wagner were arrested in Ross County.

.@MikeDeWine says drugs were not the motive in the Pike County killings, but there's "an undercurrent of drugs."

@MikeDeWine "There's nothing so great that we can do to give those eight people back," Pike County Sheriff Reader said, speaking about missed birthdays and holidays.

"They have clearly been the prime suspects for some time," @MikeDeWine says of Wagners.

@MikeDeWine .@MikeDeWine says there was an obsession with custody of children. Calls it the most "bizarre" of his career.

@MikeDeWine Thus concludes the press conference. Follow my colleagues' work here:
cincinnati.com/story/news/cri…

@MikeDeWine Charges against Wagners:
8 counts of aggravated murder with a death penalty specification
conspiracy
engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity
tampering with evidence
unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance
forgery
unauthorized use of property
continued...

@MikeDeWine interception of wire, oral, or electronic communications
obstructing justice
aggravated burglary

@MikeDeWine Jake Wagner is also charged with unlawful sexual conduct with a minor for having sexual contact with Hanna May Rhoden when she was 15 years old and he was 20 years old.

@MikeDeWine Charges on grandmas:
Rita Newcomb, 65, of South Webster, and Fredericka Wagner, 76, of Lucasville, are facing felony charges of obstructing justice and perjury for allegedly misleading investigators over the course of the investigation.