Rhoden Murders: Ohio Authorities Identify 4 Persons Of Interest Believed To Be In Alaska

PIKE COUNTY, OH — Authorities in Ohio have identified four persons of interest in the murder investigation of eight members of the Rhoden family in Peebles, Ohio, a rural area about 75 miles east of Cincinnati, in April of last year.

The Ohio Attorney General's Office is asking for information on four people who they have identified as George "Billy" Wagner, III, 46, Angela Wagner, 46, George Wagner, IV, 25 and Edward "Jake" Wagner, 24. In a press release, authorities said investigators are interested in information regarding interactions, conversations, dealings or transactions that the public may have had with these individuals. A $10,000 reward for information is being offered by authorities.

All four people are former residents of Peebles and are currently believed to be in Alaska, according to the AG. (For the latest of this story and more Cincinnati-area news, subscribe to the Cincinnati Patch.)

The "execution-style" murder in Southern Ohio left eight members of the Rhoden family dead, including a 16-year-old boy. Seven bodies were found in three nearby homes in Pike County, police said. An eighth body, a male relative, was found in another location, according to police. All were shot in the head.

Ohio Attorney General Michael DeWine told reporters shortly after the murders that the slaying was a preplanned and sophisticated operation. DeWine said that authorities found marijuana grow operations at three locations at the crime scene.

Two babies survived the attack on the family, as did a 3-year-old child, police said. One mother was shot in the same bed as her 4-day-old child slept next to her. The shootings likely took place at night, according to police, because some of the victims were in their beds.

From the AG's office: Those who have information are asked to call the BCI tip line at 1-855-BCI-OHIO (224-6446) or the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 740-947-2111. Any information provided will remain confidential, and a $10,000 reward is still in effect.

Pictured above: George "Billy" Wagner, III, 46 (left), Angela Wagner, 46 (right)

Pictured below: George Wagner, IV, 25 (left), Edward "Jake" Wagner, 24 (right)