Hannah Hazel Gilley, a 20-year-old woman from Piketon, Ohio, tragically died on April 22, 2016. She was killed in her home, which was one of several locations targeted in a horrific crime spree that resulted in the deaths of eight members of the Rhoden family. Hannah was the fiancée of Clarence "Frankie" Rhoden, who was also among the victims. The couple had a young son, Ruger Lee Rhoden, who was spared.
The Pike County shootings, as they came to be known, drew national attention due to
the sheer brutality and the number of victims involved. The investigation into the murders was extensive and complex, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Over time, it was revealed that the killings were part of a calculated plan by members of the Wagner family, who were seeking custody of one of the Rhoden children.
In January 2025, Jake Wagner, Angela Wagner, and Billy Wagner were sentenced for their roles in the murders. Jake Wagner received a life sentence in exchange for his cooperation with the investigation, while Angela Wagner was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Billy Wagner's trial was still ongoing at the time. The sentences brought some measure of justice to the grieving families, but the pain and loss remain profound.
The Pike County massacre remains one of Ohio's largest-ever murder cases, and the trial of George Wagner IV, another family member involved, continued to keep the case in the public eye. The community and the families of the victims have had to endure years of legal proceedings and the emotional toll of reliving the tragedy.
Hannah Hazel Gilley's death, along with the other victims, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such senseless violence. Her memory lives on through her family, friends, and the community that continues to seek justice and healing.
