Mother Breaks Silence After Authorities Confirm Remains as Missing Son

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CANTON, Ohio (WJW) – Advances in forensic technology are unraveling the mystery surrounding the disappearance of an Ohio man last June.

On Monday, Canton police informed the mother of 26-year-old Ryan Godbey that DNA analysis had confirmed what she had feared. The human remains discovered in a wooded region of southern Stark County in July were indeed those of her son, affectionately known to loved ones as “JJ.”

“We must be grateful for their perseverance and dedication in getting the testing completed, allowing me, my family, and Ryan’s friends to finally find some peace,” said Jackie Godbey.

As the DNA findings provide a vital piece of the puzzle, Ryan Godbey’s family continues their quest for justice.

Based on evidence gathered by police after the 26-year-old was reported missing, his ex-boyfriend, 33-year-old Daniel Mattay, was indicted by a Stark County grand jury on August 27.

Mattay faces charges that include murder, strangulation, domestic violence, tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse.

“I don’t think that I’ll ever understand how or why somebody would do this to another human being, especially somebody that’s your friend, that took you in when nobody else would, that picked you up in the rain and showed you kindness and companionship,” said Jackie Godbey.

The sad truth about what happened to Ryan Godbey began to emerge on June 23, when Canton police searched his apartment and found signs of a struggle and blood stains.

Later, an ODOT crew found his ID and debit card dumped along I-77.

Authorities said it was information gathered during the investigation of Mattay that led them to the remains in the wooded area.

The DNA testing and the search for answers to other troubling questions about the murder of Ryan Godbey are part of a promise made to his grieving family by detectives and the mayor of Canton.

“A mother should never have to be burying her child and whatever circumstances, just the amount of hate that’s out there today, that this should have never happened to Ryan or anybody in our community,” said Mayor William Sherer.

When asked about the support from city leaders, police and the community, Jackie Godbey told reporters on Monday, “it’s helped us keep going and not to just focus on the evil, but to be thankful for what we have and try to remind everybody the importance of community and supporting and loving the people around you.”

Mattay remains in the Stark County jail on a bond of $1.5 million.