CANTON, OH – A Stark County jury has convicted a 27-year-old man in the brutal murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, whose body was discovered wrapped in plastic in a trash can at a local park. Sean Goe was found guilty on multiple charges, including murder, felonious assault, gross abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in the death of Raychel Sheridan.

Sheridan’s tragic case, which began with her reported disappearance, also involved additional crimes of burglary and grand theft linked to Goe. The trial concluded with a shocking scene in the courtroom, where Goe’s mother, overwhelmed by the verdict, cried out in disbelief as Goe remained emotionless.

On July 2, 2024, authorities responded to a missing person report in Plain Township.

While investigating at the Orchard Dale Drive NW residence, deputies observed Sheridan’s maroon Jeep Liberty being driven by Goe. Following a traffic stop attempt, Goe fled on foot but was later apprehended in Canton on July 3 at a homeless shelter for outstanding warrants, including domestic violence charges related to Sheridan.

Evidence collected during a search of their shared apartment indicated foul play, leading detectives to conclude that the murder had occurred on the premises. The grim discovery of Sheridan’s body was made by city sanitation workers in a park historically known as Mother Goose Land, once an abandoned theme park now functioning as a public area.

Prosecutors detailed the horrific nature of the crime, describing how Sheridan suffered at least ten blows to the head with a hammer, which was later found in the apartment. The severity of her injuries rendered her unrecognizable from her photograph, adding to the case’s chilling narrative. Items, including a bucket and gloves containing the DNA of both Goe and Sheridan, were also retrieved.

During the closing arguments, the prosecution emphasized the brutality of the crime, stating that Goe was the only individual with a motive to dispose of Sheridan’s body in such a manner. The defense countered by alleging a biased investigation, asserting that authorities sought evidence to fit their preconceived notion of Goe’s guilt.

Goe is set for sentencing on November 18, 2024, where he could receive a life sentence, ensuring he spends the rest of his life in prison for this harrowing crime.