CHILLING new details have emerged in the search for 26-year-old Ryan Godbey after he vanished over two weeks ago.
Daniel Mattay, 33, has been arrested and charged in connection with Godbey’s disappearance as police continue to search for him.
Known in the community as JJ, the cherished drag queen entertainer Godbey was last spotted leaving an LGBTQ+ nightclub located in downtown Canton, Ohio, approximately 60 miles south of Cleveland, on June 19.
He is now believed to be dead, police announced in a tragic twist on Friday morning.
“Regrettably, new evidence compels us to shift the focus of this case from a missing person to a homicide investigation,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard announced in a statement, as reported by NBC affiliate WKYC.
“While Mr. Godbey has not yet been located, the new evidence makes it clear that he is deceased and that Mr. Mattay is responsible.”
It’s unclear what evidence the police found.
In the early morning hours of June 20, Godbey sent his last known message to a friend.
The eerie text said that a man named Danny was “mad.”
He didn’t answer any other texts after that message.
Concerns grew when Godbey didn’t show up to a show he was scheduled to perform at that weekend.
It’s unclear if the Danny that Godbey was referring to was Daniel Mattay.
Cops then searched Godbey’s apartment and found signs of a struggle.
His three cats and his epilepsy medication were left behind, which his family said was unusual behavior.
Cops later found his driver’s license and credit card tossed near the highway.
Police reported that Mattay, identified in court records as homeless, is being held in jail facing charges of murder, felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence.
Timeline of Ryan Godbey’s disappearance
Ryan Godbey has been missing for over two weeks as police now believe he’s been murdered. Here’s a timeline of his disappearance:
June 19 – Godbey is seen leaving Darlin’s Crew nightclub in downtown Canton, Ohio.
June 20 – At 12:27 am, Godbey texts his friend that a person named Danny was “mad.” This is the last text Godbey sends. His phone goes straight to voicemail after this.
June 21 – Godbey doesn’t show up at an event he was scheduled to attend.
June 22 – Godbey’s friends and family report him missing after he fails to show up for a drag performance where he was scheduled to perform.
June 24 – Police find Godbey’s license and bank card along the interstate. Daniel Mattay is arrested on charges of drug possession and trespassing.
July 2 – Darlin’s Crew holds a vigil and benefit for Godbey.
July 3 – Mattay is charged with murder, felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence in connection with Godbey’s disappearance.
July 4 – Canton Police confirm they’ve found evidence to believe Godbey is dead.
Court records show that in 2023, Mattay served time in jail for domestic violence and multiple other charges.
On June 24, Mattay was arrested along with a 38-year-old woman named Amanda Williams in an abandoned building on charges of criminal trespassing and aggravated possession.
Investigators went to the vacant house to speak to the pair about Godbey.
Police have not said whether or not Williams is involved in Godbey’s disappearance.
The relationship between Godbey and Mattay hasn’t been confirmed by police, but his family and friends have identified Mattay as someone who Godbey dated.
FAMILY’S HEARTBREAK
On the night of July 3, Godbey’s family posted a message to Facebook reacting to the charges against Mattay.
“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 club where Godbey was last seen, held a vigil for Godbey on July 2 to remember the performer.
The Canton Police Department didn’t immediately return The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
