The alleged mastermind of the 2016 slaughter of a Pike County family will face trial in January, according to new filings in the case.
After multiple delays in the decade-old case, George "Billy" Wagner III is now scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, 2027.
The jury trial is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m., the case file in Pike County Common Pleas court said.
Judge wants statements about victim rights related to venue change
The trial location is still unknown, however, as the visiting judge overseeing the case earlier granted a request for a new venue but did not announce a site.
Visiting Judge Jonathan Hein, in a filing in Wagner's docket this week, asked all parties to identify "any perceived deficiencies with victim rights" related to a new venue.
Evidence of such deficiencies must be filed on or before Aug. 17, an entry in Wagner's case noted.
Wagner has entered a not guilty plea to eight counts of aggravated homicide and 14 related charges in the case. Arrested in 2018 with other members of his family, he is currently jailed in Pickaway County.
Wagner's wife and younger son admitted their roles in the killings in 2021. In 2022, Wagner's older son was found guilty of the same charges he faces.
According to prosecutors, the Wagners targeted the Rhoden family because of a custody issue involving a child related to both families.
This story may be updated.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Final trial in 2016 Pike County massacre case set for January
