WAVERLY, Ohio — Defense attorneys for one of the suspects in the Pike County massacre want to know how DNA evidence was tested in the case.
Attorney Richard Nash Jr. filed a motion Monday seeking information on DNA testing in the state's case against George Wagner IV, who, along with his parents and brother is accused of killing eight members of the Rhoden family in rural Pike County.
As part of the discovery, Nash is seeking the case file, laboratory protocols, evidence chain of custody and durrent disposition, software used for DNA testing, data files, documentation of corrective actions for discrepancies and errors, information on lab personnel and more information.
The defense attorneys have also filed motions this month seeking funds to bring in experts and seeking to have Wagner wear civilian clothes and appear without restraints at all court proceedings. He already wore civilian clothes during a pretrial hearing in January.
Wagner is charged with 22 crimes in the case, including eight counts of aggravated murder. Authorities said four members of the Wagner family spent months conspiring to kill the Rhodens before carrying out the shootings in April 2016. They have all pleaded not guilty.
Judge Randy Deering has ordered Wagner, like his parents and brother, be held without bond pending trial. Deering also ordered the family members to have no contact with each other.
Wagner's next hearing is scheduled for March 22.
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