Joey Guinn, a 46-year-old man residing in Hampton, Tennessee, stands accused of multiple offenses, including first-degree murder. His charges follow the unearthing of human remains suspected to be those of a missing individual, concealed in a buried freezer.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has verified the charges against Guinn, which also encompass abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.
A relative reported Edward Elliott, aged 64, missing in March, with the family member expressing concerns about Elliott’s health condition preventing his safe return without assistance. Last seen around Roan Mountain in late January or early February, the search for Elliott increased, involving several interviews and public tips, according to the Sheriff’s Office affidavit.
Investigators from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office quickly moved to question Guinn following a clue indicating Elliott was last seen at Guinn’s residence at 125 Mike Clawson Road in Hampton.
During discussions with law enforcement, Guinn stated that Elliott had spent a day or two at his home a few months earlier. He suggested to the officers that Elliott might currently be with a couple, one of whom was Elliott’s daughter.
Police received a confidential tip in mid-April, suggesting that Elliott had been brutally assaulted outside Guinn’s residence by Guinn and another person, with two witnesses present. On April 22, officers spoke with two individuals who both claimed to have witnessed a violent confrontation involving Elliott, Guinn, and a second unidentified man. According to one witness, the incident occurred in late January or early February, while the other stated it happened early to mid-February.
One of the witnesses shared their observation of Guinn and the unidentified man ferociously stomping on Elliott, who was pleading for mercy.
Both witnesses recalled seeing a bloodstain at the site of the altercation the following day. They also noted that Guinn left in a truck fitted with a “job box” for tool storage in the rear. He later returned with the vehicle, but the box was no longer there.
The case made significant progress on Wednesday, May 15, when law enforcement, in collaboration with additional agencies, conducted a coordinated search across three Hampton locations. A cadaver dog detected a scent indicative of human decomposition. Using a metal detector, authorities located an area on a 17-acre lot in Hampton, which led to the discovery of a large freezer.
Human remains, believed to be Elliott’s, were found inside the freezer, leading to the case being escalated 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 additional details about the investigation or any possible motive for the crime.
The uncovering of Elliott’s remains represents a significant development in a case that has caused widespread concern in the community since his disappearance earlier this year. With legal proceedings against Guinn now underway, many are hopeful for justice in this disturbing case.
The Carter County Sheriff’s Office reiterated its commitment to transparency and justice as the case continues. “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 was reported missing, the community has been on high alert, with many offering information and support for the search efforts.
The Sheriff Department’s spokesperson underscored the essential role of technology and canine units in locating the remains. “The use of cadaver dogs and metal detectors were instrumental in guiding our search efforts to a successful discovery,” the spokesperson said.
