The Pink Moon Murders

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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 researching this, interviewing Rhoden survivors and friends as well as hundreds of others in the small community. He even spoke with prosecutors and police officers who were officially gagged by the judge, visited the crime scenes countless times, and pored through records at courthouses throughout the region.  Two and a half years after the Rhoden murders, investigators suddenly arrested six members of another family. Raterman attended more than 20 of their hearings at the small, one-room courthouse in Pike County and interviewed their neighbors and friends. What he discovered about that family, who owns the most land in the county as well as an elite horse farm, will leave listeners in utter disbelief. And what he reports overall will surprise investigators—as well as true crime listeners who think they’ve heard it all. Presented by Cavalry Audio and iHeartPodcasts

Cavalry Audio


    • Nov 2, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 20 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS


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    Latest episodes from The Pink Moon Murders

    Introducing: The Justice Team Network

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 2:19


    Welcome to the Justice Team Network. The ultimate community for lawyers and legal enthusiasts. The Justice Team Network is a unique hub where legal professionals can stay up-to-date with the latest industry happenings, refer cases, and stream their favorite legal shows. Sit back, get cozy, and take a look around. Join us at JTN to unlock a world of legal knowledge, entertainment, and collaboration. Listen Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/justice-team-network/id6457674656 Shows: Bourbon of Proof, Justice Team Podcast, The Consultation and Tip the Scales  Website: https://www.JusticeTeamNetwork.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing: Death X Southwest

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 7:05


    Click Here to Listen to DXSW: https://apple.co/3U1kNCg Cavalry Audio is proud to present Death X Southwest, a new weekly true crime podcast that explores grisly murder stories unique to the American Southwest. Join sisters & hosts, Margot & Jenna, as they use a blend non-fiction narrative storytelling and conversational commentary to immerse listeners in a different deadly crime each week, exploring murders that range from the utterly bizarre to the downright bone-chilling while unpacking the lives and minds of both the murderers and their victims. DXSW is smart, suspenseful, and just the right amount of sarcastic. Available NOW: https://apple.co/3U1kNCg Listen to ad-free episodes & get EXCLUSIVE bonus content by subscribing to Cavalry+ on the Apple Podcasts App. Links to all socials & additional resources: https://linktr.ee/deathxsouthwest  ADDITIONAL Bonus Content: patreon.com/deathxsouthwest  Follow DXSW | @deathxsouthwest: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deathxsouthwest/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@deathxsouthwest  Twitter: https://twitter.com/deathxsouthwest  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086743807947  DXSW is a Cavalry Audio Production. Hosted by Jenna Jarrold and Margot Carmichael Produced by Margot Carmichael Associate Produced by Jenna Jarrold Executive Produced by Dana Brunetti & Keegan Rosenberger Audio Editing & Sound Design by Revision Sound Music by Soundstripe And a special thanks to Edward R Murrow for letting us borrow his famous sign-off phrase, Good Night & Good Luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing: The Rosenberg Case

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2022 6:55


    Click here to Listen to The Rosenberg Case: https://apple.co/3z0FyWW Cavalry Audio, and Executive Producer OSCAR ISAAC bring you a new true crime podcast... Join writer and narrator, EDGAR CASTILLO, a first generation Guatemalan American, as he explores the byzantine true story of the bizarre assassination of Rodrigo Rosenberg — an influential Guatemalan lawyer who was gunned down while on his Sunday morning bike ride in May of 2009. At his funeral, he posthumously released a YouTube video that declared, “If you're seeing this video, it means that I've been murdered by President Alvaro Colom,” Guatemala's sitting President. The Rosenberg video unleashed a major political upheaval and one of the most unpredictable murder investigations in history, but that was only the beginning. You won't believe the conspiracy Edgar uncovers from interviews of those close to the case - including the person who hired the hitmen... Listen to episodes a week early and ad free by subscribing to Cavalry+ on Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing: The Murder Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 5:43


    From the creative team that brought you The Shadow Girls, comes a new weekly, true crime podcast... THE MURDER CHRONICLES. Join host Carolyn Ossorio as she turns her investigative eye into the darkest corners of the human condition and exposes the evil that terrifies us, the losses that haunt us... and the justice that unites us. With a new case every week from different corners of the country, and the globe, The Murder Chronicles is sure to be your new true crime obsession. Go ahead, scratch the itch... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    murder chronicles carolyn ossorio
    Introducing: The Devil Within Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 6:34


    Season 2: In 1974 after experiencing financial hardship, Michael Taylor joined a local church in the rolling hills of Northern England.  After falling in love with a young, beautiful preacher, Michael's personality began to change. The mild-mannered family man became abusive and unhinged. His new church believed he was possessed by no fewer than 48 demons and would require an exorcism to save his soul and protect his family from evil. But the supposed remedy would come at a very steep price...  The podcast THE DEVIL WITHIN returns with a second season that will send chills down your spine. THE DEMONS OF YORKSHIRE tells the terrifying true story behind Michael Taylor's brutal exorcisms, and seeks to answer the question, who is to blame for the vicious murder of his wife? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    TREASURE HUNT REVEALED!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2022 3:00


    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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: X MARKS THE SPOT: The Legend of Forrest Fenn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 3:36


    The first and only podcast series that examines the life and legacy of Forrest Fenn,  the man responsible for the real life treasure hunt that captivated the globe. With never-before-heard interviews and insight into the people who searched for Fenn's gold… and the one person who found it. Join us for an adventure unlike any other and experience X Marks the Spot: The Legend of Forrest Fenn. Available NOW wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 9: “Narcissistic Injury”?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 28:56


    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 what kind of people could murder eight sleeping family members, describing “antisocial personality,” “narcissistic injury,” and similar terms. And in another shocking twist, the strong, heroic sheriff is indicted on 11 felonies, including theft of evidence and tampering with evidence. He eventually pleads guilty to four. Will jurors in the upcoming trials think the local police are dirty and somehow tainted the case? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: Awakened Underground

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2022 2:48


    The Awakened Underground podcast is an investigative talk show that explores the ancient art of healing yourself with plant medicines and psychedelics. The Awakened Underground is a production of Cavalry Audio, in association with iHeart Radio, created and hosted by filmmaker and Psychedelic thought leader Cody Blue. @AwakenedUnderground See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 8: “They Will Have to Kill Me First”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2022 38:00


    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. The special agent also testifies that Wagners hacked into Hanna May's private messages and discovered a disturbing message from Hanna May saying that if the Wagners wanted to get custody of her and Jake's young daughter, “they will have to kill me first.” Also, for the first time in open court, cracks develop among the Wagner Four as George turns on Jake and their mom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 7: Roman Chariots and Calliopes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 35:17


    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 has worked blue-collar jobs and been a strong family woman, seems typical for the area. But Billy's mom is the largest landowner in Pike County, and she operates a prestigious horse farm whose animals have won awards all over the US. How did she and her now deceased husband start their land and animal empire? Interviews with family insiders and court records provide surprising and colorful insight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 7: Roman Chariots and Calliopes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 35:18


    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 has worked blue-collar jobs and been a strong family woman, seems typical for the area. But Billy's mom is the largest landowner in Pike County, and she operates a prestigious horse farm whose animals have won awards all over the US. How did she and her now deceased husband start their land and animal empire? Interviews with family insiders and court records provide surprising and colorful insight. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 6: “The Most Bizarre Story I Have Ever Seen”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2022 35:15


    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 Raterman discovers who these Wagners are—the black sheep of Pike County's largest landowner—and who they are not, including Billy legally changing his name and possibly not actually being married to Angela. Raterman also gets previously unknown video of Jake, George, and Billy attending the visitation for a Rhoden they allegedly murdered. Billy's face is covered in bruises in those days right after the murders. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 5: A Pink Moon and Singing Insects

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 33:11


    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 the crime,” Tony Rhoden says. After another year, a family of six—the Wagners—is arrested. Four are charged with the murders, and the two great-grandmothers are charged with accessory crimes. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 5: A Pink Moon and Singing Insects

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2022 33:11


    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 the crime,” Tony Rhoden says. After another year, a family of six—the Wagners—is arrested. Four are charged with the murders, and the two great-grandmothers are charged with accessory crimes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 4: El Chapo?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 31:26


    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 connections to Mexico's ruthless cartel leader El Chapo. Was he involved in the Rhoden murders, as many in the community believe? Also, court records show some Rhodens had violent criminal histories. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 3: Black Crows and White Caskets

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 31:25


    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're following up on 450 tips they've received and have already interviewed 128 people. And then suddenly, the announcement of a large criminal enterprise on Rhoden properties sends investigators in a new direction—and turns the court of public opinion hard against the Rhodens. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 1: An Appalachian Back Road

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 26:53


    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 miles away, decides to investigate what the local sheriff calls “a heinous crime that's never been seen before.” And what he discovers is not only shocking but also a true whodunit. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Episode 2: Dogwood Weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2022 29:51


    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 were hard workers—and how some of the males were attractive as “bad boys.” In early news reports, all were portrayed as loving. But did any have dark secrets that led to the ultimate revenge? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Introducing: The Pink Moon Murders

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 1:28


    Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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