OH OH- Ryan Godbey, 26, "JJ", performs as a drag queen, didn't show up for a performance, last seen at "Darlin's Crew" bar, Canton,19 June, 2025.

[dotr]

June 25, 2025 By: Bob Jones

Flyers posted around Canton as concern grows over missing man, Ryan Godbey

The search for a Canton man, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances, is intensifying. While police continue to look for Ryan Godbey, family members and friends have posted 100 to 200 flyers.

www.news5cleveland.com

CANTON, Ohio — The search for a Canton man, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances, is intensifying.

''While police continue to look for 26-year-old Ryan Godbey, family members and friends have posted between 100 and 200 flyers on trees, telephone poles and various buildings, including Ryan's apartment and the LGBTQ+ nightclub where he was last seen.''

Ryan, who also goes by "JJ", performs as a drag queen, but he didn't show up for a weekend performance that he was excited for, and that was just one of many reasons the family had cause for alarm.''

''Ryan was last seen at "Darlin's Crew" bar on Cherry Avenue NE late on Thursday night, June 19. According to his mother, Ryan sent a text to a friend before 12:30 a.m. Friday. There has been no sign of him since then.''
''According to Jackie, Ryan's bank card and driver's license were found by an ODOT crew on I-77 near the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday morning.''

 

[dotr]

rbbm

Canton police searching with 'urgency' for missing person last seen at LGBTQ+ club

Police are searching for a Canton man, 26, last seen at a downtown LGBTQ+ nightclub and is considered to be in danger.

www.cantonrep.com

''He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. He has long brown hair that he wears in a ponytail or pulled back. He was last seen at Darlin's CREW wearing a red T-shirt, black pants and white Nike shoes.

He is part of the LGBTQ+ community who dresses as a man unless he is performing in drag, said his mother Jackie Godbey.''

She said she believes he is in danger for several reasons.
He failed to appear at a June 21 queer prom, where he was set to give two performances.
"He is epileptic," the mother wrote in an email. "His seizure meds are still in his apartment. He would not leave without them or his cats. He didn’t take any of his drag makeup or outfits."

 

[dotr]

Jun 24, 2025
Detectives with the Canton Police Department are investigating the disappearance of a 26-year-old man under "suspicious circumstances."

 

[GraceG]

Here is a street map of where the Bar is. It appears to be a LGBTQ bar, well known as such in the area. They are already putting out the word on social media about Ryan being missing. Street View · Google Maps

Where his bank card and drivers license were found is here: Pro Football Hall of Fame · 2121 George Halas Dr NW, Canton, OH 44708

It's not someplace you could walk to, it's a fair distance. Was there any record of him getting a taxi or an uber?
Possibly related: (relationship with unknown party that brought about charges, current health status/treatment, possible interaction with prescribed meds and social alcohol consumption).

Ryan was found guilty of disorderly conduct (reduced from domestic battery), a no contact order (with victim) was issued, as well as an Order of Protection and he is undergoing behavioral health treatment as part of his sentencing. He was also put on 5 years probation (complete notes in case file at link provided). A recent hearing on the case in May was cancelled due to his being in treatment.
Complete records at: https://www.starkcjis.org/#/home
STATE OF OHIO VS GODBEY, RYAN
Massillon Municipal Court
Case No. 2024CRB02271
Charges2917.11A [M4] DISORDERLY CONDUCT
Reduced From 2919.25A [M1] DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Name GODBEY, RYAN Date of Birth May 29, 1999
Address (redacted by gg for privacy) CANTON, OH 44703
Found guilty on January 16th 2025.
Sentence 3 days in jail, $100 in fines.
Oct 15, 2024
2919.25A (M1) - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Oct 15, 2024
PROBABLE CAUSE FOUND. NO CONTACT ORDER WITH VICTIM.
Oct 16, 2024
DEFENDANT ARRESTED AND BOOKED AT STARK COUNTY JAIL. COUNTY JAIL FEE ASSESSED.
ARRAIGNMENT SET FOR 10-17-2024 @ 08:45 AM
Oct 17, 2024
BOND POSTED - $10,000.00 TEN PERCENT BOND - POSTED BY RYAN GODBEY (DEFENDANT) RECEIPT # 2768728 BY CASH
Oct 17, 2024
TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER FILED AND GRANTED AFTER HEARING. T.P.O. ORDER SERVED ON DEFENDANT AND VICTIM IN OPEN COURT. CC: PROS. TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER AND BRADY DISQUALIFIER SERVED ON POLICE AGENCIES: MASSILLON PD AND SHERIFF
Jan 16, 2025
DEFENDANT ORDERED TO CONTINUE WITH AULTMAN BEHAVIORIAL HEALTH & FOLLOW ALL RECOMMENDATIONS
Jan 16, 2025
FURTHER ON THE FOLLOWING ORDER(S): NO CONTACT WITH VICTIM(S); STATE'S RECOMMENDATION REVIEWED & ACCEPTED & CHARGE AMENDED ; AFTER THE APPROPRIATE TIME PERIOD EVIDENCE TO BE DISPOSED OF AS PER POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICY; NO RELATED OFFENSES
May, 22, 2025
JUDGMENT ENTRY FILED -PROBATION VIOLATION ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE ON 5-22-25 AT 10:00 AM. CONTINUE WITH AULTMAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND FOLLOW ANY AND ALL RECOMMENDATION. UPON ARRIVAL REPORT TO OFFICER SHEELY IN THE PROBATION DEPARTMENT
ENTRY AND ORDER FILED. THE SHOW CAUSE HEARING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 22, 2025 IS HEREBY CANCELLED. THE DEFENDANT IS CUURENTLY ENGAGED IN TREATMENT.
Aultman Behavior Health in Canton; Info and address: https://aultmandocs.com/practices/amg-behavioral-health-and-counseling-center

 

[imstilla.grandma]

 

[Stunned]

I'm confused. Does Ryan identify as a male or female?

 

[iamshadow21]

I'm confused. Does Ryan identify as a male or female?

From what has been said, I would guess male with a female drag persona. So, when performing, probably she/her, but otherwise, he/him.

But it's not always binary. Some drag performers identify as gender fluid, non-binary, or multiple genders.

MOO

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Canton drag performer Ryan Godbey, also known as “JJ,” has not been seen or heard from since after midnight on June 19.

His mother, Jackie Godbey, has hung hundreds of missing posters with Ryan’s photo across the city.

Godbey told News 5 reporter Bob Jones that police discovered signs of a struggle inside his apartment – and that it is unlike her son to disappear without returning texts or calls.

“I love him. My mom loves him. Our family loves him. The LGBTQ community loves him. We just want Ryan home,” she told News 5.

“Based on a number of factors in this case, detectives are acting with an increased sense of urgency,” Canton Police Chief John Gabbard said in a written statement. “We need help from anyone in the community who may have information.”

LGBTQ+ Ohioans launch statewide effort to locate missing person

Canton drag performer Ryan Godbey is missing after police discover signs of a struggle at his apartment

thebuckeyeflame.com

 

[haggis]

Here's another story with updated details.

Includes:

CANTON ‒ An "associate" of a missing 26-year-old man was arrested and jailed June 24 on charges of criminal trespass, aggravated possession of drugs and probation violations in three prior felony cases.

Police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren said the case is affiliated with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ryan T. "JJ" Godbey, 26, of northwest Canton, who was last seen at a downtown nightclub June 19.

He described the man arrested as a "associate of the victim."

The search for Ryan 'J.J.' Godbey: Canton detectives talk to man about missing person case

As the search for missing Canton man Ryan 'JJ' Godbey continues, police have arrested a man tied to the case on unrelated charges.

www.yahoo.com

 

[haggis]

sorry - double post -- got error and hit post again...

 

[Soulmagent]

So he has been missing days?
I felt really good it seemed to be at 36 hour old case but it five days old already.

Does he have a regular schedule ?
Some of these drag shows have a huge following , heck I am a huge fan of them. Any stalkers? I know people immediately went to haters but ,it could be the exact opposite.

 

[Knox]

Here's another story with updated details.

Includes:

CANTON ‒ An "associate" of a missing 26-year-old man was arrested and jailed June 24 on charges of criminal trespass, aggravated possession of drugs and probation violations in three prior felony cases.

Police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren said the case is affiliated with the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Ryan T. "JJ" Godbey, 26, of northwest Canton, who was last seen at a downtown nightclub June 19.

He described the man arrested as a "associate of the victim."

The search for Ryan 'J.J.' Godbey: Canton detectives talk to man about missing person case

As the search for missing Canton man Ryan 'JJ' Godbey continues, police have arrested a man tied to the case on unrelated charges.

www.yahoo.com

That doesn’t sound good at all!

 

[Soulmagent]

That doesn’t sound good at all!

No but they gave us everything we need to find a Danny in the system.
''
The man who was arrested was found to be in possession of drugs when detectives went to speak with him, Garren wrote in an email. He was arrested at vacant building in the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue NE.

At an arraignment in Canton Municipal Court on June 26, Magistrate Christy Pierson set bond at $75,000 for the defendant, a 33-year-old Massillon man listed as being homeless in online court records. A status hearing is scheduled for June 30. He remained in jail on the afternoon of June 26.''
Canton police searching with 'urgency' for missing person last seen at LGBTQ+ club

 

[dotr]

LGBTQ+ Ohioans launch statewide effort to locate missing person

Canton drag performer Ryan Godbey is missing after police discover signs of a struggle at his apartment

thebuckeyeflame.com

By H.L. Comeriato rbbm.

''Police are looking to identify the person in the grey long sleeved shirt. If you recognized this person, please call the Canton Police Communication Center at 330-649-5800. The person pictured wearing a red T-shirt, black pants and white shoes is Ryan Godbey.
In security camera footage from Darlin’s CREW nightclub in downtown Canton, Godbey can be seen at around 11 p.m. accompanied by an unidentified man wearing a grey hooded long sleeve shirt.
Police are looking for any information that could help identify the man.
''In a written statement posted to their Facebook page, Darlin’s CREW said Godbey met the unidentified man that evening and both seemed to behave normally while at the bar.
The Canton Repository reported that Godbey sent a text to a friend at 12:27 a.m. the same night, saying a person named Danny was “mad.” Godbey has not responded to any texts or phone calls since.''

''On June 26, Canton Police Department spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren told reporters at The Canton Repository a second man who is “an associate of the victim” was arrested on unrelated charges at a vacant building in northwest Canton.''

 

[GraceG]

No but they gave us everything we need to find a Danny in the system.
''
The man who was arrested was found to be in possession of drugs when detectives went to speak with him, Garren wrote in an email. He was arrested at vacant building in the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue NE.

At an arraignment in Canton Municipal Court on June 26, Magistrate Christy Pierson set bond at $75,000 for the defendant, a 33-year-old Massillon man listed as being homeless in online court records. A status hearing is scheduled for June 30. He remained in jail on the afternoon of June 26.''
Canton police searching with 'urgency' for missing person last seen at LGBTQ+ club

Found him. (CJIS takes some practice to use the advanced search functions, so it took me a while). Since he hasn't been named "by name" as POI, although he is listed as a possible connection to the disappearance, I have redacted his name but this should provide details mentioned in the msm report on Ryan's disappearance.
From: Canton Municipal Court - Home
Case No. 2025CRA02542 Filed by Canton Police Department
Name redacted
Date of Birth Aug 5, 1991
Address HOMELESS MASSILLON, OH 44646
Case Status Open Case
Next Action FS Hearing On Jun 30th, 2025
Money Owed View Details Total $187.00
Balance$187.00
DATE OF ARREST: 06/24/2025
Jun 25, 2025 2925.11A1A (F5) - AGGRAVATED POSSESION OF DRUGS COMPLAINT FILED
Jun 25, 2025 PROBABLE CAUSE FOUND
Jun 25, 2025 DEFENDANT'S PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION FORM FILED AND ISSUED
Jun 25, 2025 1 COMPLAINT FILED.
Jun 25, 2025 COPY OF COMPLAINT IMAGE
Jun 25, 2025 FORM 8 FILED
Jun 25, 2025 TRANSFERRED; STARK COUNTY JAIL IN LIEU OF BOND 06/24/2025
Jun 25, 2025 ARRAIGNMENT SET ON: 06/26/2025@ 9:00 A.M.
Jun 25, 2025 WARRANT AFTER ARREST ISSUED TO BE SERVED IN OPEN COURT.
Jun 26, 2025 BOND SET $75,000.00 CASH OR SURETY PLUS COSTS OF $95.00 BY MAGISTRATE (name redacted)
Jun 26, 2025 ON THIS DAY THE DEFENDANT APPEARED WITH 101091- (name redacted) ATTORNEY OF RECORD
Jun 26, 2025 EXPLANATION OF LEGAL RIGHTS FORM SIGNED BY DEFENDANT AND FILED.
Jun 26, 2025 DISPOSITION FORM FILED
Jun 26, 2025 CASE SET FOR STATUS CONFERENCE HEARING ON 06-30-2025 @ 10:30 AM
Jun 27, 2025 DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, AND BECAUSE THE DEFENDANT IS AN INDIGENT. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT (name redacted) ATTORNEY AT LAW, BE APPOINTED AS COUNSEL

There is also a separate case/charges for Criminal Trespass with an arrest at the same time. Case No. 2025CRB02543 Filed by Canton Police Departmen. Prior charges in other court systems found through VJIS link above include assault, intimidation of an attorney/witness/vicim (more than one case), domestic violence, resisting arrest and strangulation Case No. 2023CRA01479 Filed by Massillon Police Department

 

[Soulmagent]

Found him. (CJIS takes some practice to use the advanced search functions, so it took me a while). Since he hasn't been named "by name" as POI, although he is listed as a possible connection to the disappearance, I have redacted his name but this should provide details mentioned in the msm report on Ryan's disappearance.
From: Canton Municipal Court - Home
Case No. 2025CRA02542 Filed by Canton Police Department
Name redacted
Date of Birth Aug 5, 1991
Address HOMELESS MASSILLON, OH 44646
Case Status Open Case
Next Action FS Hearing On Jun 30th, 2025
Money Owed View Details Total $187.00
Balance$187.00
DATE OF ARREST: 06/24/2025
Jun 25, 2025 2925.11A1A (F5) - AGGRAVATED POSSESION OF DRUGS COMPLAINT FILED
Jun 25, 2025 PROBABLE CAUSE FOUND
Jun 25, 2025 DEFENDANT'S PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION FORM FILED AND ISSUED
Jun 25, 2025 1 COMPLAINT FILED.
Jun 25, 2025 COPY OF COMPLAINT IMAGE
Jun 25, 2025 FORM 8 FILED
Jun 25, 2025 TRANSFERRED; STARK COUNTY JAIL IN LIEU OF BOND 06/24/2025
Jun 25, 2025 ARRAIGNMENT SET ON: 06/26/2025@ 9:00 A.M.
Jun 25, 2025 WARRANT AFTER ARREST ISSUED TO BE SERVED IN OPEN COURT.
Jun 26, 2025 BOND SET $75,000.00 CASH OR SURETY PLUS COSTS OF $95.00 BY MAGISTRATE (name redacted)
Jun 26, 2025 ON THIS DAY THE DEFENDANT APPEARED WITH 101091- (name redacted) ATTORNEY OF RECORD
Jun 26, 2025 EXPLANATION OF LEGAL RIGHTS FORM SIGNED BY DEFENDANT AND FILED.
Jun 26, 2025 DISPOSITION FORM FILED
Jun 26, 2025 CASE SET FOR STATUS CONFERENCE HEARING ON 06-30-2025 @ 10:30 AM
Jun 27, 2025 DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY THE PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, AND BECAUSE THE DEFENDANT IS AN INDIGENT. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED THAT (name redacted) ATTORNEY AT LAW, BE APPOINTED AS COUNSEL

There is also a separate case/charges for Criminal Trespass with an arrest at the same time. Case No. 2025CRB02543 Filed by Canton Police Departmen. Prior charges in other court systems found through VJIS link above include assault, intimidation of an attorney/witness/vicim (more than one case), domestic violence, resisting arrest and strangulation Case No. 2023CRA01479 Filed by Massillon Police Department

Does his picture match? from the photo with Ryan and ''the guy"

 

[GraceG]

Does his picture match? from the photo with Ryan and ''the guy"

There are no booking photos available in the court documents. Those are usually taken by the local police, not the court and you can't find them through a check of the police departments website. I have found a photo of him from the recent booking, but it's not from a source I can link until he is named formally.

I can say, the photo DOES match a booking photo from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections website from a 2023 arrest of the same person.

That being said, the person, in both the older, and the recent booking photo has long (about collarbone length) dark and fairly thin hair type (not balding, just fine texture). The unidentified man in the bar photos looks to have much shorter, thicker hair.

 

[maamager]

boyfriend’s booking

 

[maamager]

I'm confused. Does Ryan identify as a male or female?

Ryan is AMAB but uses they/them pronouns.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Jackie Godbey, Ryan's mother, told 3News that her son is epileptic and their medication was left behind in their apartment, as well as their cats. She said there were signs of struggle in Ryan's apartment.

"He (Ryan) wouldn't just walk away from his family and his friends. He wouldn't leave his medicine, and he definitely wouldn't have left his cats behind," Jackie Godbey said.

"He was with my mom Thursday afternoon working on the outfits and different things to prepare for Saturday," Jackie Godbey said. "Any friend that talked to him throughout the last two weeks knew he was working on this and he was ecstatic. This was his dream come true."

Samantha Richardson, a local mother who founded the Silent Mother Project and has become an advocate for Ryan Godbey's case on social media, said that according to friends and loved ones, the 26-year-old texted a friend that their live-in boyfriend was upset with them before their disappearance. Jackie Godbey said the text was sent at 12:27 a.m. Friday, June 20.

Canton police: 'Suspicious circumstances' in case of missing 26-year-old Ryan Godbey

Ryan Godbey last spoke with loved ones on June 19 and was last seen leaving Darlin's CREW in Canton, where the 26-year-old was set to perform over the weekend.

www.wkyc.com