ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – Authorities in Carter County have charged a local man with first-degree murder in connection with the death of another man whose body was found inside a buried freezer in a remote area of Hampton. The victim, Edward Elliott, 64, was reported missing in March after last being heard from in late January or early February.
Joey Guinn, 46, faces charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence following his arrest for allegedly killing Elliott. The discovery of the victim’s body came after an extensive search in a secluded spot off a remote road in Hampton, prompted by reports of Elliott’s disappearance.
Investigators began looking into the case in early April, when friends and family raised concerns about Elliott’s whereabouts. Interviews conducted by Carter County Sheriff’s Office eventually led them to Guinn, who claimed that Elliott had visited his residence in Hampton a few months earlier.
Further evidence emerged through tips and witness testimonies alleging that Guinn and another individual had violently assaulted Elliott outside Guinn’s residence. The witnesses described a brutal attack where Elliott was seen being kicked and pleading for help while blood pooled at the scene.
During a search of Guinn’s property, authorities found a buried freezer containing human remains believed to be Elliott. The discovery was made possible with the assistance of a cadaver dog and a metal detector that picked up signals under the soil.
Guinn is currently in custody at the Carter County Detention Center, awaiting court proceedings. He appeared in court for an arraignment and was assigned a $5 million bond. The community and law enforcement continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Elliott’s tragic death.