Body discovered in Ohio woods, with gunshot wound to the head, identified as missing teen

The body of an Ohio teen who went missing earlier this month was reportedly discovered in a wooded area early Sunday, and her death was ruled as a homicide.

Samantha Guthrie, 18, was found dead with a single gunshot to the head on Rex Hill Road in New Franklin, the Canton Repository reported, citing a medical examiner’s report. New Franklin is located approximately 10 miles outside of Akron.

On November 5, Guthrie’s mother reported the teen as missing, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Authorities said Guthrie, who was a reported drug user, had moved out of her home in Akron in May, but didn’t have a known permanent address. She was reportedly last spotted the day before at a home on Lillian Street in the city, and officials said she disappeared under “suspicious circumstances.”

According to WKYC, a probe into Guthrie’s death “has led to multiple arrests.” Police arrested 39-year-old Danny Hamby, of Springfield Township, and 31-year-old Toni Kenny, of Warren, on murder charges. William Alexander, 49, was also taken into custody and charged with abusing a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Hamby and Kenny are believed to have been at the residence where Guthrie was last seen, according to police. The relationship between the victim and suspects isn’t clear at this time.

“We are forever grateful for all the love and support through this devastating time,” a Facebook page created to help find Guthrie stated. “Family can finally start the grieving process and make plans for her memorial.”

 

[Feature photo: Samantha Guthrie/Facebook]