It was children’s toys in the yard that prompted Brad Conklin of Kenai to stop Monday and meet his new neighbors.
“I stopped in to say that we have bear around here so keep a gun handy, and they said all they have was a little shotgun,” said Conklin.
A few hours later, he recognized them in news reports after Ohio Attorney General Mike Dewine named four people he is focusing on in a mass murder investigation.
George “Billy” Wagner, III, and Angela Wagner. (Credit: Ohio AG)
DeWine is asking for information about George “Billy” Wagner III, 46, Angela Wagner, 46, George Wagner IV, 25, and Edward “Jake” Wagner, 24.
“We’re not using any term to describe these four people, we’re not calling them suspects… but, I would say that we are focused on them at this point like a laser,” said DeWine in a phone interview with KTVA Tuesday.
He also confirmed there are no outstanding warrants for their arrests.
In April of 2016, someone shot seven adults and a 16-year-old execution style– some while they slept–at four different locations in Pike County, Ohio. All eight victims were members of the Rhoden family.
“You don’t have a situation every day where you have eight people of one family who are murdered, and so it’s a horrible horrible thing,” said DeWine.
George Wagner IV (L);
Edward “Jake” Wagner. (Credit: Ohio AG)
His news release Monday, including the names and photos of Wagner family members, marks the first time anyone has been named in connection with the case. He’s hoping anyone who has interacted with the Wagners will report information they’ve learned, specifically related to vehicles, firearms and ammunition.
Conklin says he’s already spoken to authorities in Ohio, and now, he’s giving his new neighbors the benefit of the doubt until he learns more. “They seem like a normal family trying to make a living,” he said, adding, “You’re innocent until proven guilty.”
“They seem like a normal family trying to make a living,” he said, adding, “You’re innocent until proven guilty.”
Angela Wagner spoke with KTVA briefly via Facebook message and referred us to the family’s attorney in Ohio. A call to his office has not yet been returned.
Anyone with information is asked to refrain from calling local law enforcement, and instead, contact the Pike County, Ohio, Sheriff’s Office at 740-947-2111.
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