Hampton man held on murder charge after missing man's suspected remains unearthed in freezer – www.elizabethton.com

Hampton man faces murder charge after suspected remains of missing man were unearthed in freezer

Published on Thursday, May 16, 2024, 4:14 p.m

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By Buzz Trexler

Star correspondent

A 46-year-old Hampton man is being held on $5 million bond after the remains of a suspected missing Roan Mountain man were found buried in a freezer, Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley said during a news conference on Thursday .

Joey Lee Guinn, 125 Mike Clawson Road, Hampton, was jailed Wednesday on charges of first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence after authorities discovered the remains were believed to be those of 64-year-old Edward H. Elliott traded.

According to an affidavit, Elliott's daughter reported to the sheriff's office on March 31 that she last had contact with her father on January 28 via Facebook Messenger. The daughter said she last physically saw him about a week before this contact. On April 1, a woman who said she received Elliott's mail filed a missing person report with Elizabethton police, saying she had not seen him since mid- or late January.

Acting on an anonymous tip, Sheriff's Office investigators — assisted by the Elizabethton Police Department, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Greene County Sheriff's Deputy Wayne Wilhoit and his K-9 partner Ruger, a cadaver detection dog — led the investigation Wednesday search warrants at Guinn's home and nearby properties. Fraley said other agencies assisting at the scene included 1stst District Attorney's Office, the Carter County Rescue Squad and the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center at East Tennessee State University.

During the search, which Fraley said ultimately covered about 17 acres, Ruger alerted to the presence of human remains in one area. Investigators then examined and scanned the area with a metal detector, which indicated there was a metal object underground.

“A few hours later, a box was exhumed and a human body was found in the tub, a small freezer,” Fraley said. “We tentatively believe the body was that of the missing person.”

Guinn was arrested Wednesday evening and taken to the Carter County Detention Center. Guinn was arraigned Thursday before Carter County General Sessions Court Judge Keith Bowers Jr., who set bail at $5 million.

“During the investigation into Mr. Elliott’s disappearance, we have asked for the public’s assistance with any information they may have regarding his whereabouts,” Fraley said. “We received an anonymous tip that ultimately led us to identify Mr. Guinn as a suspect.”

Fraley praised the “total teamwork” of more than 40 law enforcement officers involved in the investigation, which is ongoing, and the sheriff said additional charges could be filed as more information is uncovered. The lead investigator is CCSO Detective Roger Brown.

“I am extremely proud of my officers for their diligence in investigating Mr. Elliott's disappearance and hope that his family can find comfort in finally learning what happened to their loved one and that the person responsible for their actions is brought to justice Responsibility will be taken,” Fraley said. “I would also like to thank the Elizabethton Police Department, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this investigation.”