Trial begins against man accused of beating his girlfriend to death

CANTON, Ohio – More than three months have passed since a brutal crime shocked many in Stark County: the murder of 24-year-old Raychel Sheridan, who was reported missing by her family before her body was found in a trash bin.

On Tuesday, the suspect, Sean Goe, will stand trial in Stark County Common Pleas Court.

Jury selection will begin in the morning, followed by opening statements in the early afternoon in Judge Frank Forchione’s court.

Goe faces multiple charges, including murder, assault, burglary and abuse of a corpse. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

RELATED: Man charged with murder in connection with the death of Raychel Sheridan

Sheridan’s brother, Jonathan Gillilan, has experienced a range of emotions since her death, including heartbreak, anger and fear.

“It was just hell and back,” Gillilan said. ‘She’s still my sister. I loved her. I wanted to be there for her as much as possible.’

Family members told News 5 that Sheridan was generous and loved cats and sunflowers.

“People who knew her, and who I know, talked about how nice she was, how pleasant she was to be around and how much she lit up a room when she walked in.”

In early July, Sheridan failed to show up for work. Her concerned mother contacted the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators determined there were signs of a crime scene at her Plain Township apartment.

“Evidence of foul play has been discovered. Detectives have determined that Sheridan was murdered in the apartment,” Sheriff George Maier said at a press conference in July.

However, she wasn’t there. Sanitation workers later found her body in a trash can at Mother Goose Land Park in Canton.

Body of missing woman found by sanitation workers in Canton

RELATED: Body of missing woman found by sanitation workers in Canton

Detectives said Goe beat Sheridan to death and then hid her remains. Goe was arrested at a homeless shelter.

Gillilan is still disgusted by the thought of anyone being able to commit such violence.

“The mind is a horrible place, and for someone like that who shows no real remorse afterwards, they are disgusting,” he said.

Goe has pleaded not guilty to the murder. He is represented by an attorney from the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office, according to court records.

Gillilan and other family members plan to attend the entire trial.

“I hope as best we can the next day, two, three, however long the process takes, that it gets resolved quickly and quickly,” Gillilan said.

Court records show Goe had active arrest warrants before the killing, including for domestic violence and charges involving Sheridan.

According to the records, Goe cut holes in the victim’s tires and threatened to cause her serious harm.

Family and friends believe Sheridan was trapped in a cycle of domestic violence.

“I think all of our conversations ended with you having to leave him and she knew that,” family friend Holly Clapsaddle told News 5 last summer.

As Gillilan prepares for a difficult trial, he hopes justice will be delivered for his sister.

“She didn’t deserve anything close to what she got.”