Missing man's remains found in buried freezer in Tennessee; suspect charged

CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — The remains of a missing man were found in a freezer that was buried in Tennessee.

Carter County Sheriff Mike Fraley said on Thursday that a search warrant in Hampton was executed on a 17-acre lot.

Three search warrants stemmed from a missing persons report filed on March 31, according to Fraley.

Edward Elliott was reported missing by a family member in late March. Elliot had not been seen or heard from since late January, according to court documents.

Investigators received tips and conducted multiple interviews after Elliott was reported missing.

Wednesday's search was done after authorities in Carter County received an anonymous tip, said Fraley.

A cadaver dog " Ruger" detected a strong odor consistent with human decay.

Authorities were able to pin-point the body's location using metal detectors.

Investigators dug the area and recovered the body.

"A box was exhumed and a human body was found in that small freezer," said Fraley.

Joey Guinn, 46, was charged with first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence.

The human remains are believed to be those of Elliott.

Guinn is being held in the Carter County Detention Center on a $5 million bond.

The investigation is ongoing and more charges are forthcoming, said Fraley who didn't go into detail.

"I'm glad we have a little bit of closure, but there's still a lot to be done," said Fraley.

Guinn is expected in court next week.

Editor's Note: The National Desk contributed to this report.

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