Deceased/Not Found 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.

[Vaderman]

Loved ones gather in Canton to celebrate Ryan 'JJ' Godbey's life

'My hopes are first and foremost that they bring Ryan home and I think, in the end, justice.'

www.wkyc.com

CANTON, Ohio — More than a hundred people packed the Canton Palace Theater Tuesday evening to remember Ryan "JJ" Godbey.

Their name was prominently displayed on the marquee — a sign friends say Ryan would love.

 

[The Zookeeper]

I'm gay, myself, but I wasn't meaning to stereotype gay culture. Just saying looking for a loner would be a starting point, not the only parameter to consider.

On a side note, I was jumped at knifepoint literally a few blocks away years ago. Canton can get nasty late at night.

EnigmaticEpiphany, so glad you are okay! That must have been terrifying.

 

[dotr]

Jul 29, 2025
'More than a hundred people packed the Canton Palace Theater Tuesday evening to remember Ryan "JJ" Godbey.Their name was prominently displayed on the marquee — a sign friends say Ryan would love."Anybody, anybody that really knows Ryan, knows he's the star, he's the light of the room, he's bringing the character to every event he's going to," said Tomie Payne.The 26-year-old was reported missing on June 22. Less than 2 weeks later, Canton police arrested Ryan's roommate, Daniel Mattay, on charges of murder, felonious assault, strangulation and domestic violence charges in connection with Ryan's death.Investigators say Mattay has not told them what happened to Ryan, but the Canton Police Chief said evidence makes it clear that Ryan is deceased and that Mattay is responsible.'

 

[Unalienable Rights]

Family of missing man, Ryan Godbey, offers $15,000 to help find his remains

Each button hanging from a necklace worn by Jackie Godbey has pictures and precious memories of her son, Ryan Godbey.

www.news5cleveland.com

*****
Meanwhile, six weeks after Ryan was reported missing, his family still has no idea where his body is.

A family reward that stood at $10,000 has been increased to $15,000 for information that helps find Ryan.

*****
Jackie said not knowing where her son is located is the stuff nightmares are made of.

"Where is he? Is there water? Is there dumpsters? What is involved with what they did?" Jackie said. "We don't know what they did. Your imagination takes the worst of you."

Jackie said Ryan's drag queen name was JJ. The family has created the Ryan JJ Godbey Memorial Fund. Money raised will be used to honor Ryan and keep his memory alive.

*****

 

[dotr]

Aug 5, 2025
Each button hanging from a necklace worn by Jackie Godbey has pictures and precious memories of her son, Ryan Godbey.

 

[Vaderman]

3News Investigates exclusive: Inside the evidence in the Ryan Godbey murder case in Canton

A bloody apartment and dumpster. Empty bleach bottles and gloves near the prime suspect. The findings that led to murder charges.

www.wkyc.com

CANTON, Ohio — Newly released police investigative reports obtained by 3News Investigatesreveal disturbing details about the final night of Ryan Godbey, the 26-year-old Canton drag performer whose disappearance in June led to murder charges against Godbey's former boyfriend.

The documents, which provide the most comprehensive timeline yet of events surrounding Godbey's presumed death, show a trail of evidence stretching from a Canton nightclub to an apartment complex dumpster, culminating in crucial findings against the prime suspect involving bleach bottles, latex gloves, and a freshly cleaned van.

 

[dotr]

Aug 20, 2025
'Newly released police investigative reports obtained by 3News Investigates reveal disturbing details about the final night of Ryan Godbey, the 26-year-old Canton drag performer whose disappearance in June led to murder charges against Godbey's former boyfriend.The documents, which provide the most comprehensive timeline yet of events surrounding Godbey's presumed death, show a trail of evidence stretching from a Canton nightclub to an apartment complex dumpster, culminating in crucial findings against the prime suspect involving bleach bottles, latex gloves, and a freshly cleaned van.'