The disappearance of 26-year-old Ryan T. “JJ” Godbey has officially become a homicide investigation, Canton Police Chief John Gabbard announced Thursday.
Police have charged Godbey’s ex-boyfriend, Daniel Z. Mattay, 33, with multiple felonies related to the case, including one count of murder. He’s being held in the Stark County Jail on a $1.5 million bond.
“Unfortunately, new evidence has led our agency to transition the case from a missing person to a homicide investigation,” Chief Gabbard said in a statement. “While Mx. Godbey has not yet been located, the new evidence makes it clear that they are deceased and that Mr. Mattay is responsible.”
Godbey was reported missing by family members on June 22. They were last seen leaving Darlin’s CREW, an LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub on Cherry Avenue NE, around 11 p.m. on June 19. Godbey was scheduled to perform at the club that weekend.
Since their disappearance, the Canton community has rallied behind Godbey’s family. Darlin’s CREW hosted a drag show and candlelight vigil on July 2 to raise awareness and funds, with proceeds going toward a $5,000 reward and financial support for relatives who have taken time off work to assist in the search.
“I feel bad for the family. What if that would happen to me? What if that would happen to him?” Darlin’s CREW owner Dave Hite said during the event. “You know, what if? There’s a lot of ‘what ifs.’ It’s hard to have a clear thought because you don’t know what’s happened.”
Police have not disclosed what specific evidence led them to conclude Godbey is deceased, but the case has evolved rapidly over the past two weeks. According to Godbey’s mother, Jackie Godbey, police found signs of a struggle in their apartment. Ryan’s seizure medication and cats were also reportedly left behind.
On June 24, police arrested Mattay and another woman, both 38, on unrelated drug charges after attempting to question them about the disappearance. Godbey’s credit card and driver’s license were later found near Interstate 77, close to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mattay is currently being held in the Stark County Jail. In addition to murder, he faces charges of felonious assault, strangulation, and domestic violence.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information about the case or the whereabouts of Ryan Godbey is urged to contact the Canton Police Communications Center at 330-649-5800 or the Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers at www.cantonohio.gov/police.
