The family of Ryan “JJ” Godbey believed this would be the week they finally confronted the man accused of killing the 26-year-old performer — a moment they had waited for since Godbey vanished in June. Instead, they learned the case would never reach a courtroom.
Daniel Mattay, 34, died by suicide Wednesday, Dec. 3, inside the Stark County Jail, abruptly ending a high-profile homicide case that was days away from a pivotal plea hearing. Mattay had been expected to change his not-guilty plea on Dec. 10, a development first reported by Jordan Miller News.
For Godbey’s mother, Jackie Godbey, the news brought a complicated wave of grief, frustration, and resolve.
“This was supposed to be our week for justice,” she said in an interview Thursday. “These last six months have been a nightmare.”
A Case Nearing a Turning Point
Mattay had been indicted Aug. 27 on charges of murder, felonious assault, strangulation, domestic violence, tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors said evidence showed he was with Godbey the night they were last seen leaving Darlin’s CREW in Canton on June 19. Partial human remains discovered weeks later were confirmed to be Godbey’s, though a cause of death has not been released.
With a February trial approaching, the newly set plea hearing suggested progress. Instead, Mattay’s death has left the family without answers — and without the day in court they had prepared for.
“We’ve been working on our victim statements for months,” Jackie said. “I wanted him to hear what he took from us. But even if we don’t get that day in court, I believe in a higher court.”
Prosecutor: Locations Provided by Mattay May Help Bring Closure
In a statement, Stark County Prosecutor Kyle L. Stone acknowledged the abrupt end to the criminal proceedings but said Mattay had recently provided information that may aid the family in their search for closure.
“While it is unfortunate that we will not be able to pursue justice as we intended, I am encouraged that Mr. Mattay did provide verified locations where the remains of Ryan could be located,” Stone said. “It is my desire that these current circumstances would assist Ryan’s mother, siblings and entire family with closure.”
Jackie said she is hopeful but cautious.
“We’re still trying to bring all of Ryan home,” she said. “That’s all we want — to have him whole again.”
“He Took Ryan’s Smile, His Laughter, His Future.”
When asked what she would have said to Mattay, Jackie spoke through emotion.
“Ryan was building a life. He had a future he was excited about,” she said. “He took Ryan’s smile, his laughter. He took everything from him.”
She also spoke bluntly about the brutality investigators described.
“I’m angry. I’m hurt. He dismembered my child and left him out in the elements,” she said. “There was no mercy. No dignity.”
Despite her anger, Jackie’s faith shapes how she views the man investigators accused of killing her son.
“I know he was human. But I believe he’s in hell for what he did,” she said. “He will face justice — just not here. I refuse to let him have any more power over our lives.”
A Relationship Defined Only Through Ryan
Jackie made clear she had never met Mattay. Everything she knows of him came through Ryan’s friends and investigators.
“Ryan tried to help him,” she said. “He was living out of a vehicle. Ryan had such a loving heart, always wanting to help someone who needed it.”
She said the difference between the two men was stark.
“They came from two different worlds,” she said. “Ryan had so much love and support behind him. Daniel… he didn’t.”
“Keep Going”: A Mother’s Strength Through Loss
Godbey’s disappearance and the discovery of partial remains devastated the Canton-area drag community, where Ryan performed as “JJ” and was known for bringing “light and love” to every room.
Despite the agony of the past six months, Jackie says she keeps getting up each day for her children and grandchild.
“My strength comes from my love for my kids,” she said. “Ryan always said, ‘Keep going.’ So that’s what I’m doing. I’m fighting evil. I’m fighting for him.”
She urged the community not to ignore signs of violence or injustice.
“We need to stand together. We need to speak up,” she said. “This can’t happen again.”
Carrying Ryan’s Legacy Forward
In Ryan’s honor, the family has established a foundation to support community awareness and safety efforts. A benefit event and butterfly release are planned, organized in part by Ryan’s closest friends in the drag community.
“We want to bring awareness. We want to bring love,” Jackie said. “Ryan brought people together. We’re going to keep his memory alive by doing the same.”
