The Pink Moon Murders
The Pink Moon Murders
The Pink Moon Murders is investigative, true crime podcast that delves into the slaughter of eight members of the Rhoden family in rural, Appalachian Ohio in 2016. It was a night that shocked the country with its brutality—and its mystery. Who would commit such horrible crimes? And why? Ohio native David Raterman, a longtime journalist and former author for National Geographic, spent 18 months re…Follow the podcast:
TREASURE HUNT REVEALED!
In the season finale of X Marks the Spot: The Legend of Forrest Fenn, Cavalry Audio reveals a treasure hunt has been hiding within the nine episode series. Listen to learn more!
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Episode 9: “Narcissistic Injury”?
In a shocking twist, on April 22, 2021—the fifth anniversary of the murders—Jake pleads guilty to the charges against him, including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor since Hanna May was only 15 and he was 20 when they conceived their daughter. An Ohio neuropsychologist shares his thoughts for w…
28:56
Episode 8: “They Will Have to Kill Me First”
At pretrial hearings, prosecutors ask the lead investigator about evidence they connect to the Wagner Four, including bloody footprints, shell casings, and Captain America masks. And he testifies that Jake was assaulting Hanna May Rhoden, his fiancée and baby mom, which is why she broke up with him…
37:59
Episode 7: Roman Chariots and Calliopes
Because two generations of Wagners allegedly committed mass murder and a third—the two great-grandmothers—was charged with obstructing justice and perjury, and the motive was custody of a fourth generation, journalist David Raterman now wants to learn about the great-grandmothers. Angela’s mom, who…
35:17
Episode 6: “The Most Bizarre Story I Have Ever Seen”
Billy and Angela Wagner, husband and wife, and their sons, George and Jake, each face eight counts of aggravated murder with death penalty specifications. Investigators hint that the Wagners murdered to get custody of a daughter Jake and 19-year-old Hanna May Rhoden shared. Then journalist David Ra…
35:14
Episode 5: A Pink Moon and Singing Insects
A year after the murders, Ohioans remain scared and frustrated that a mass murderer is still loose—despite police studying evidence and interviewing hundreds of people. Among the most important questions is how the killer got past all the dogs outside Rhoden homes. “Solve that, and you might solve …
33:11
Episode 4: El Chapo?
After prosecutors announce marijuana grow operations on Rhoden properties, news outlets report the illegal crops are valued at $400,000—a fortune in the rural, Appalachian community. Journalist David Raterman learns more about drug production and use throughout the region, and he discovers connecti…
31:26
Episode 3: Black Crows and White Caskets
At a cemetery where five Rhodens are buried, a family friend and former cop shares his insight. Others close to the seven Rhodens and one Rhoden-to-be celebrate their lives and give further insight into them, including an ex-boyfriend whose child lost a mother in the shootings. Police report they’r…
31:25
Episode 2: Dogwood Weekend
Officers from around Ohio rush in to help the small sheriff’s office, with early suspects including Rhoden in-laws as well as several men who recently fought two Rhodens. And loved ones share thoughts about the murders as well as about the victims. This includes how they valued family first and wer…
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Episode 1: An Appalachian Back Road
A night of violence shakes a small Ohio town to its core when eight family members—the Rhodens—are shot to death in their sleep in 2016. Their ages range from 44 to 16 with five males and three females—including two young moms with their babies nearby. David Raterman, a journalist who grew up 90 mi…
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