Joey Guinn, a 46-year-old resident of Hampton, Tennessee, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, after human remains, believed to belong to a missing man, were discovered inside a buried freezer. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed these charges, which also encompass abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
Edward Elliott, 64, who had been missing since late January, was reported missing by a family member in March. The relative expressed concerns about Elliott’s health condition, which could have prevented his safe return without assistance. Elliott was last spotted in the Roan Mountain area either in late January or early February. The Sheriff’s Office has been actively trying to locate him, carrying out numerous interviews and following public tips, as stated in an affidavit.
After conducting several interviews, investigators from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office quickly turned their attention to Guinn following a tip that Elliott had been seen at Guinn’s Hampton residence. During his interaction with the police, Guinn confirmed that Elliott had stayed at his home for a day or two a few months ago. Guinn also suggested to the officers that Elliott might be with a couple, including Elliott’s daughter.
In the middle of April, police received an anonymous tip that Elliott had been brutally assaulted outside Guinn’s residence by Guinn and another person. Two witnesses reportedly observed the incident. On April 22, officers interviewed two individuals who claimed to have seen a violent confrontation involving Elliott, Guinn, and another unidentified man. According to one witness, the incident occurred in late January or early February, while the other suggested it happened between early to mid-February.
One witness described seeing Guinn and the unidentified man aggressively stomping on Elliott as he pleaded for mercy. Both witnesses also reported seeing a bloodstain at the site of the altercation the following day. They noted that Guinn left in a truck equipped with a rear “job box” for tool storage, and returned later without it.
A significant breakthrough in the case occurred on Wednesday, May 15, when law enforcement agencies conducted a coordinated search at three locations in Hampton. A cadaver dog was deployed, which indicated the presence of human decomposition. With the help of a metal detector, authorities located a large freezer buried on a 17-acre lot.
The freezer contained human remains, believed to be Elliott’s, prompting authorities to escalate the case to a homicide investigation. Guinn is currently being held at the Carter County Detention Center with bail set at $5 million. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed further details about the investigation or any potential motive.
The discovery of Elliott’s remains represents a significant development in a case that has gripped the community since his disappearance. As legal proceedings against Guinn start, many are hoping for justice in this disturbing case. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has pledged its commitment to transparency and justice as the case unfolds. “Our priority is to bring closure for the victim’s family and hold those responsible for this heinous act accountable,” the Sheriff stated.
Since Elliott’s disappearance, the community has been on high alert, with many offering information to aid the search efforts. The Sheriff’s Department spokesperson emphasized the critical role of technology and canine units in locating the remains, stating, “The use of cadaver dogs and metal detectors were instrumental in guiding our search efforts to a successful discovery.”
