AKRON -- The Summit County Medical Examiner has identified a body found in New Franklin as Samantha Guthrie, a teen who was reported missing earlier this month.
The medical examiner has ruled Guthrie's death a homicide from a gunshot wound to the head.
Guthrie's body was found in a wooded area off of Rex Hill Road Sunday. Her mother reported her missing Nov. 5, but said her daughter had left home following her 18th birthday in May.
The investigation has led to multiple arrests, including William Alexander, 49, of Akron, who has been charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence. According to Akron Municipal Court documents, Alexander "admitted to disposing" of Samantha’s body in an "unknown wooded area” after she was shot. Police did not elaborate on any potential connection between Alexander and Guthrie.
Danny Hamby, 39, of Springfield Township, and Toni Kenny, 31, of Warren, are also charged with murder in connection to Guthrie's death. The pair was already arrested on charges of tampering with evidence and obstructing justice related to the case.
Akron police and court documents confirmed that Samantha’s father, Jonathan K. Guthrie, 40, was charged with kidnapping and assault for allegedly threatening three people at gunpoint for information to help locate his daughter.
