CANTON – A 33-year-old Massillon man has been charged with murder in the disappearance of Ryan T. “JJ” Godbey.
Police announced July 4 that Daniel Z. Mattay, who has been in custody and had been questioned in Godbey’s disappearance, has been charged with murder, felonious assault, strangulation and domestic violence.
“Unfortunately, new evidence has led our agency to transition the case from a missing person to a homicide investigation,” Police Chief John Gabbard said in a prepared statement. “While Mr. Godbey has not yet been located, the new evidence makes it clear that he is deceased and that Mr. Mattay is responsible.”
Police are trying to locate Godbey, 26, who was last seen June 19 at Darlin’s CREW, an LGBTQ+ nightclub downtown. The northwest Canton resident’s last known text, sent to a friend at 12:27 a.m. June 20, said that a man named Danny was upset. He did not reply to a text from his friend.
Mattay, who is described in court records as homeless, is being held at the Stark County Jail. He and a 38-year-old woman had earlier been charged with criminal trespass and aggravated possession of drugs after being arrested June 24 in a vacant building in the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue NE. Detectives had gone to the location to speak with them about Godbey.
Godbey’s family posted a message on Facebook the night of July 3 saying they had been informed that Mattay would be charged.
“We want to thank everyone for all of their help, time, prayers, everything these last 2 weeks,” Godbey’s sister Paige McGeorge wrote. “Thank you to the detectives and CPD. Please continue to pray that the detectives locate my baby brother and bring him home soon please, and please keep my family in your prayers.
“Rest in peace Ry, I am so sorry. I love you I am so sorry. I promise to finish this and get you home. I promise. Until we meet again.”
Darlin’s CREW, the nightclub where he was last seen, held a benefit and vigil on the night of July 2.
Police asked that anyone with any information regarding this case or the whereabouts of Godbey contact the Canton Police Communications Center at 330-649-5800 or the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can also be sent to Tip411 or the Stark County Crime Stoppers. Sign up for Tip411 at www.cantonohio.gov/police.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as new information is available.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ryan Godbey disappearance now ‘homicide investigation’