Police officials said the suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Justin, was arrested and later charged with multiple charges, including: first-degree premeditated murder, homicide, tampering with evidence, concealing the death of an individual and lying to a police officer during a violent crime investigation. Authorities say Justin killed his mom, 47-year-old Samantha, and reportedly admitted to investigators.
In September 2023, the victim’s daughter called 911 and reported her mom missing. She told investigators that her mother was last seen alive in June 2023. She also told authorities that not hearing from her mother for several months was a very long time. The victim’s body was discovered in a storm drain, police officials said. Last week, officers executed a search warrant and took Justin into custody. During an interview with investigators, the 26-year-old son reportedly admitted to killing his mother.
During the same interview, the son also told investigators that he was angry about his mom contacting Child Protective Services regarding the safety of his children. The 26-year-old son then told investigators that he punched his mom before he stabbed his mother to death because ‘she contacted and was concerned about his children and contacted protective services,’ officials said. Justin is being held on $10 million bond, court records show. This incident remains under investigation.
Samantha’s daughter launched a fundraiser, which stated: “As many of you may know from the news my mother Samantha Guinther was brutally killed and hid from my youngest brother and I since June 18,2023 . We are now responsible for her cremation and burial. She just dropped all contact on June 18 and now we know why. This is very heartbreaking and we don’t know what we are going to do . My little brother is only 19 and for him to lose his mom at sure a young age let alone like this is horrible to watch him go through. Anything will help and we will be so grateful for any and all help. “