Months after a missing Ohio boy’s body was reportedly found in a shallow grave on a farm, authorities announced on Wednesday that they’ve arrested someone in connection with his death.
A Caroll County grand jury indicted Matthew Little, 29, was indicted on 15 criminal charges in the death of Jonathon Minard, 14. Carroll County Sheriff Dale R. Williams said a “fastidious effort” led them to identify Little as a suspect, according to the Times Reporter.
“There was some things about this case that were evident from the beginning and some things in this case that were not evident,” he said, explaining why an arrest came nearly five months after the discovery of Minard’s body.
Reported missing on April 14, Minard apparently disappeared while doing chores on a New Harrisburg farm, which is presumably owned by Little’s family. His body was discovered on a farm in Washington Township five days later.
Authorities previously told NBC News that Minard completed some chores, spent the night at the 29-year-old friend’s home, and returned to the farm the following afternoon to continue working. Reports indicated that Minard had complained of a toothache and attempted to call his mother before his disappearance.
In July, Carroll County Coroner Mandal B. Haas confirmed Minard died of a fentanyl overdose and deemed his death a homicide.
Little was presumably the person of interest who police interviewed months before his arrest. WJW reported that the unidentified person of interest had a criminal record of mostly drug offenses and was the last person to see Minard alive.
Despite this, Wednesday was the first time officials publicly named a suspect in the teen’s death.
This is a developing story. Check back with CrimeOnline for updates as they become available.
[Featured image: Jonathon Minard/Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; Matthew Little/Police handout]
