After nearly four months of waiting, the mother of 26-year-old Ryan T. Godbey finally received the confirmation no parent wants to hear: police have identified human remains found in southern Stark County as her son’s.
Canton Police, assisted by the FBI, confirmed the discovery Monday following DNA testing by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The confirmation closes one part of the mystery surrounding Godbey’s disappearance — but his family says their pain continues, as only partial remains have been found.
“Please know that not all of Ryan has been found,” his sister, Paige McGeorge, wrote on social media. “Keep praying.”
A mother’s grief and gratitude
In an interview with Jordan Miller News, Ryan’s mother, Jackie Godbey, described the moment she learned of the discovery. Officers from the Canton Police Department personally informed her that the remains recovered in July were confirmed to belong to her son.
“They came to me personally,” she said. “I have so much respect for the Canton Police Department for the way they’ve handled this. They’ve been kind and compassionate through it all.”
Jackie said she has felt “numb” since Ryan’s disappearance in June. The confirmation, while devastating, has provided a small measure of closure.
“My biggest fear was never knowing what happened to him,” she said. “Now at least I know — and I can focus on justice for Ryan.”
Charges and the pursuit of justice
Daniel Z. Mattay, 34, of Canton, has been charged with Godbey’s murder. He faces multiple charges including murder, felonious assault, strangulation, domestic violence, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse, according to the Canton Police Department.
Mattay, who was once in a relationship with Ryan, remains in the Stark County Jail following his August indictment. A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for early November.
Jackie said she plans to attend court proceedings alongside family and friends to ensure Ryan’s memory is honored.
When asked what she would say to Mattay, her response was sharp and emotional.
“Rot in hell, motherf***er,” she said.
Faith, family, and community
Jackie reflected on the immense community support she and her family have received since Ryan went missing in June. Volunteers helped search wooded areas, shared flyers, and kept Ryan’s story alive online.
“The kindness and love from this community have been incredible,” Jackie said. “People I didn’t even know reached out to help. That’s what’s keeping me going right now.”
As the Godbey family continues to grieve and seek justice, Jackie said she remains focused on two things: honoring her son’s memory and finding peace.
“I’ll never understand why someone would do something like this,” she said. “Ryan was good. He didn’t deserve this. But we’ll see this through — for him.”
Anyone with information about Ryan Godbey’s case is asked to contact the Canton Police Detective Bureau at 330-489-3144 or submit anonymous tips through Tip411 or Stark County Crime Stoppers.
