A disturbing homicide case in Ohio has resulted in the arrest and indictment of 32-year-old Dy’mond Vaden, who is accused of killing her boyfriend, George Cox Jr., and dumping his body in the Huron River. Cox had been missing for months before kayakers discovered his body in May 2025. Authorities say Vaden tried to cover up the crime, but DNA and other evidence eventually led to her arrest.
George Cox Jr. Reported Missing in Late 2024
George Cox Jr., also 32, was reported missing by his family on November 8, 2024, after they had not heard from him since around October 19, 2024. The case was quickly assigned to the Cleveland Division of Police Missing Persons Unit. Officers went to check on Cox at the home he shared with Vaden, located near Bosworth Road and Peony Avenue in Cleveland.
Suspicious Scene Found at Shared Residence
Police found the apartment nearly empty, with little furniture and what appeared to be blood on the floor. Further testing confirmed that the blood belonged to Cox. At that time, Vaden had already moved out of the residence, and her whereabouts were unknown.
Body Discovered in Huron River Months Later
On May 15, 2025, two kayakers came across a disturbing sight in a shallow part of the Huron River. Wrapped in a fitted bed sheet and tied with marine-style rope, the body was later identified as George Cox Jr. Authorities quickly linked the bed sheet to ones found in the apartment Cox once shared with Vaden.
Evidence Points to Vaden
Investigators found more damning evidence linking Vaden to the crime. According to prosecutors, blood-stained clothing recovered from Vaden’s new residence tested positive for Cox’s DNA. DNA and cell phone records further placed her at the center of the investigation.
Arrest and Indictment
On July 21, 2025, police located and arrested Dy’mond Vaden at a new home she was sharing with 41-year-old Emmanuel McQueen Jr. During the arrest, officers also recovered a firearm, which led to McQueen being charged with having a weapon under disability. Vaden was indicted by a Cuyahoga County grand jury on multiple charges, including:
Two counts of murder
Two counts of felonious assault
One count of tampering with evidence
One count of gross abuse of a corpse
One count of having weapons under disability
Prosecutor’s Statement
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley praised investigators for their work and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family. “George Cox Jr.’s family has waited for answers, and today they are one step closer to justice,” he said. “Fortunately for his family and the State of Ohio, CDP Homicide detectives are well-trained and smarter than Dy’mond Vaden thinks.”
Cause of Death Still Unknown
Authorities have not yet revealed George Cox Jr.’s exact cause of death, and the case remains under investigation as legal proceedings move forward.
This tragic case highlights how a missing persons report can eventually unfold into a deeper criminal investigation. Thanks to the persistence of George Cox Jr.’s family and the efforts of law enforcement, charges have now been filed, and a trial will follow. The heartbreaking discovery in the Huron River has brought devastating answers, but also the first steps toward justice for a grieving family.
