CANTON, Ohio — 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.
THE FINAL NIGHT
Godbey, known in Canton’s LGBTQ+ community as drag performer “JJ,” had found purpose and joy as a regular performer at venues like Darlin’s Crew nightclub on Cherry Avenue Northeast.
The night of June 19 would be the last time anyone saw Godbey alive…