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Trial begins for man accused of beating girlfriend to death
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Trial begins for man accused of beating girlfriend to death

CANTON, Ohio — More than three months have passed since a brutal crime shocked many people in Stark County: the homicide of Raychel Sheridan, 24, who had been reported missing by her family before her body not be found in a trash can.

On Tuesday, the suspect, Sean Goe, will be tried in Stark County Common Pleas Court.

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

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

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

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

“It’s been 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 as well, talked about how kind she was, how pleasant she was to be around and how she lit up a room every time she walked in.”

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

Investigators determined there were signs of a crime scene inside his Plain Township apartment.

“Evidence of foul play was discovered. Detectives determined that Sheridan was murdered inside the apartment,” Sheriff George Maier said at a July news conference.

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 Canton health workers

RELATED: Body of missing woman found by Canton health workers

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

Gillilan remains disgusted that someone would be capable of such violence.

“The mind is a hateful place, and for someone like him who doesn’t really show remorse after the fact, it’s disgusting,” he said.

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

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

“I hope as best we can until the next day, two, three, however long it takes for the trial, that it will be resolved and speedy,” Gillilan said.

Court records show Goe had active arrest warrants prior to the homicide, including for domestic violence and criminal misdemeanor/endangerment charges involving Sheridan.

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

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

“I think every one of our conversations ended with us needing to get away from him and she knew that,” Holly Clapsaddle, a family friend, told News 5 over the summer.

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

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

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