DeepSummary
In this episode, George Wagner IV took the stand in his own defense during his trial for the 2016 Rhoden family massacre in Pike County, Ohio. He described being raised in a criminal family that engaged in theft, arson, and other illegal activities from a young age. Wagner testified that his parents taught him and his brother Jake to pick locks, steal from vending machines and trucks, and bury money across the country from their illegal dealings.
Wagner portrayed himself as the black sheep of the family who wanted to escape his parents' influence, often clashing with his mother who favored Jake. He described growing apart from Jake, who was more interested in video games, and bonding instead with their uncle Chris Newcomb through activities like hunting and riding ATVs. Wagner admitted to heavy drinking and partying with friends like Frankie Rhoden.
During his testimony, Wagner recounted several violent physical altercations with his father Billy, including one where Billy threw Wagner's AR-15 rifle after breaking his truck window. Wagner insisted he did not participate in the Rhoden killings and was unaware of any plan, portraying his relationship with Jake and their parents as strained in the time leading up to the murders.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- George Wagner IV was raised in a criminal family that engaged in theft, arson and other illegal activities from a young age.
- Wagner described a strained and often violent relationship with his father Billy, as well as a widening divide from his brother Jake who was favored by their mother.
- Wagner portrayed himself as wanting to escape his family's criminal lifestyle, bonding instead with his uncle Chris Newcomb.
- Wagner admitted to a history of underage drinking, partying, and associating with victims like Frankie Rhoden prior to the murders.
- In a surprise move, Wagner took the stand to insist he did not participate in the Rhoden family killings and was unaware of any plan by his relatives.
- Wagner's testimony offered insight into the alleged criminal enterprise and dysfunction within the Wagner family in the years preceding the 2016 massacre.
- Prosecutors aimed to counter Wagner's claimed ignorance by detailing his upbringing and criminal activities learned from his parents.
- The high-stakes testimony amounted to a "Hail Mary" attempt by the defense to reframe Wagner as an unwitting bystander in his family's crimes.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I spent as much time away from Jake as I possibly could.“ by George Wagner IV
- “We didn't speak for a few weeks after that.“ by George Wagner IV
- “I never would have believed my family would be capable of doing something of that's magnitude.“ by Courtney Armstrong
Entities
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Episode Information
The Idaho Massacre
iHeartPodcasts
3/22/23
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?
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