Joey Guinn, a 46-year-old man from Hampton, Tennessee, is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the unearthing of human remains believed to be those of a missing man, found in a buried freezer. The charges against Guinn, confirmed by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, also include 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 indicated that Elliott had a health issue that could complicate his safe return without assistance. He was last seen in the Roan Mountain area in late January or early February. The Sheriff’s Office, through an affidavit, revealed that efforts to locate Elliott had intensified through numerous interviews and public tips.
Investigators from the Carter County Sheriff’s Office, following several interviews, quickly turned their attention to Guinn after receiving a tip that Elliott had been seen at Guinn’s residence on Mike Clawson Road in Hampton. During an interview with law enforcement, Guinn mentioned that Elliott had stayed at his home a few months ago, for a day or two. He also told officers he suspected Elliott might be with a couple, one of whom was Elliott’s daughter.
In a statement, police revealed that they received a confidential tip in mid-April, suggesting that Elliott had been brutally assaulted outside Guinn’s residence by Guinn and another individual, with two witnesses to the attack. On April 22, officers spoke with two individuals who claimed to have witnessed a violent altercation involving Elliott, Guinn, and an unidentified man. One witness placed the incident in late January or early February, while the other said it occurred in early to mid-February.
One witness described seeing Guinn and the unidentified man brutally stomping on Elliott as he pleaded for mercy. Both witnesses also noted a bloodstain at the altercation site the next day. They also remarked that Guinn left in a truck fitted with a “job box” in the back for tool storage. When he returned, the box was absent.
A significant development in the case occurred on May 15, when law enforcement, assisted by additional agencies, undertook a coordinated search at three locations in Hampton. A cadaver dog, used in the operation, alerted to a scent consistent with human decomposition. Using a metal detector, authorities identified a spot on a 17-acre lot in Hampton, leading to the discovery of a large freezer.
Investigators, upon opening the freezer, discovered human remains believed to be those of Elliott, transforming the case into a homicide investigation. Guinn, who is currently detained at the Carter County Detention Center, has his bail set at $5 million. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed additional details about the investigation or the potential motive behind the crime.
The finding of Elliott’s remains represents a major step forward in a case that has generated significant community interest since his disappearance. As the legal proceedings against Guinn begin, many hope for justice in this unsettling case. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has pledged its commitment to transparency and justice as the case progresses. “Our priority is to bring closure for the victim’s family and hold those responsible for this heinous act accountable,” stated the Sheriff.
Since Elliott was reported missing, the community has been on high alert, with many offering information and support for the search efforts. The Sheriff’s department spokesperson underscored the critical 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.
