Ep 10. Hog Trail Murders

Buried in the Backyard is a true crime television series that follows the investigations of murder cases where the victim’s body was buried in the backyard. Each episode walks through the heinous crimes that have taken place, the evidence found, and how the killer was brought to justice.

In season 1 episode 10, titled "Hog Trail Murders," the show highlights the case of a triple homicide that rocked the small town of Pike County, Ohio. The episode opens with news footage from 2016 when eight members of the Rhoden family were murdered in cold blood while they slept. The killings, which took place in four different homes, were carried out with brutal efficiency.

As the episode delves deeper into the investigation, it becomes clear that the killings were premeditated and carried out by multiple individuals. The detectives on the case initially suspected drug dealers and rival gangs, but as more evidence was uncovered, a darker motive emerged.

The detectives traced the murders back to the Wagner family, a local family that had a longstanding feud with the Rhodens. The Wagners had spent months planning the murders, creating a detailed plan that involved surveillance of the Rhoden family's homes and careful coordination between family members.

Despite their careful planning, the Wagners were eventually caught due to a combination of forensic evidence and witness testimony. The episode details how the detectives pieced together the events leading up to the murders, including the Wagner's use of a trailer parked on "Hog Trail" as a staging ground for their attack.

Throughout the episode, interviews with detectives, family members, and community members shed light on the impact of the murders on the town of Pike County. The case had far-reaching consequences, including disrupting the lives of hundreds of witnesses who were called upon to testify during the trial.

The episode builds towards a dramatic conclusion, as the Wagner family is brought to trial and the full extent of their involvement in the murders is revealed. While the Wagners maintain their innocence, the evidence against them is overwhelming, and they are ultimately convicted of the murders.

Overall, "Hog Trail Murders" exposes the chilling details of a case that shocked a small town and captivated the nation. The episode shows how dedicated detectives and persistent forensic investigators can piece together even the most complicated crime scenes in order to bring justice to the families of those who have been senselessly killed.