Tragic Development in the Disappearance of Ryan Godbey: Murder Charges Filed Against Suspect
The city of Canton, Ohio, is reeling from a tragic turn of events as the investigation into the disappearance of 26-year-old Ryan Godbey transforms into a homicide case. Since Godbey was reported missing on June 22, the community has rallied in hopes of discovering his whereabouts. However, recent developments have shattered those hopes, bringing grief and increased urgency to the investigation.
On July 4, 2025, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard announced that new evidence has compelled authorities to characterize the case as a homicide investigation. Consequently, 33-year-old Daniel Mattay has been charged with multiple felonies, including murder, felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence. Chief Gabbard’s statement reflected the deep sorrow behind this grim decision: “Unfortunately, new evidence has led our agency to transition the case from a missing person to a homicide investigation…makes it clear that [Godbey] is deceased and that [Mattay] is responsible.”
Godbey’s case began with a missing person report filed by his family, who indicated that he was last seen leaving Darlin’s CREW, a local establishment on Cherry Avenue NE, on June 19. The community quickly mobilized, forming search parties and using social media to spread the word in hopes of finding him alive. These volunteers, alongside law enforcement, poured their efforts into exhaustive searches, scavenging local parks, woods, and neighborhoods for any signs of Godbey. As days turned to weeks, the urgency of the case became palpable, and the emotional toll on his family and community grew heavier.
The break in the case arrived with critical forensics and investigative work that has yet to be disclosed in detail. However, Chief Gabbard expressed the importance of the evidence collected, which led authorities to conclude that Ryan Godbey is not merely missing but presumed dead. With Mattay now in custody at the Stark County Jail, the community is left in a state of grief and uncertainty, reflecting on the fragility of life and safety in their home.
In a heartfelt statement following the charges against Mattay, Canton Mayor William Sherer expressed his condolences to Godbey’s family. “Yesterday evening, I made a phone call that no mayor wants to make,” he recounted. He reached out to Jackie Godbey, Ryan’s mother, to offer his sympathies and emphasize the city’s commitment to justice. “While this is a monumental development in the case and one step towards justice, it’s heartbreaking,” Mayor Sherer remarked. He commended the dedication of the Canton Police Department and the unity of the community in rallying around the Godbey family during this tragic time.
The mayor’s remarks extended beyond condolences, highlighting the collective responsibility of all citizens. “Everyone in this community deserves justice,” he stressed, underscoring that the city’s diverse identity is its strength. “Our differences are what make Canton special.” This statement signifies the mayor’s alignment with the community’s plea for justice to serve not only the Godbey family but to ensure a safe environment for all residents.
As the investigation progresses, Canton police are urging anyone with information regarding the case to come forward. Community members are encouraged to reach out to the Canton Police Communications Center or the Detective Bureau if they have any relevant details. Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through Tip411 or the Stark County Crime Stoppers.
While the road ahead may hold difficult revelations regarding Ryan Godbey’s fate, the resilience of the Canton community remains steadfast. The emotional toll of losing a young life under such tragic circumstances resonates across the city, and many are uniting in solidarity for the Godbey family. As they facilitate the search for justice, it is crucial to remember the importance of community engagement in not only finding answers but in healing together through tragedy.
As this case continues to unfold, citizens hope for justice to be served swiftly and appropriately, as the missing become a memory wrapped in tragedy and a community seeks solace in unity. The legacy of Ryan Godbey will drive efforts in Canton to prevent similar tragedies in the future, ensuring that every life is valued and cherished within the city’s embrace.
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