A 32-year-old woman has been indicted for murder after the body of her missing boyfriend, George Cox Jr., was found in the Huron River earlier this year, bound with rope and wrapped in a bed sheet.
Dy’mond Vaden was arrested on July 21 and charged in connection with Cox Jr.’s death, nearly eight months after he was last seen. A Cuyahoga County grand jury indicted her on two counts of murder, two counts of felonious assault, tampering with evidence, gross abuse of a corpse, and having weapons under disability, according to a statement from Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley.
“George Cox Jr.’s family has waited for answers, and today they are one step closer to justice,” O’Malley said.
Cox Jr., also 32, was reported missing in November 2024. He was last seen alive on Oct. 18 in the area of Bosworth Avenue and Peony Avenue in Cleveland. The following day was the last time he communicated with anyone, the prosecutor’s office said.
As part of the initial investigation, officers conducted a welfare check at the apartment Cox Jr. shared with Vaden. They found what appeared to be blood on the floor and noticed the apartment was mostly empty. Forensic testing later confirmed the blood belonged to Cox Jr., and Vaden was no longer residing there.
On May 15, two kayakers discovered a body in the Huron River in Erie County. The remains were later identified as Cox Jr. He had been tied up with marine rope and wrapped in bed sheets, which authorities said matched those found in the former shared apartment.
Investigators also allegedly found Cox Jr.’s blood on clothing recovered from Vaden’s new residence. Phone records and DNA evidence reportedly further linked her to the crime.
Vaden was arrested at a home she now shares with 41-year-old Emmanuel McQueen Jr. Police discovered a firearm at the residence, and McQueen has since been charged with one count of having weapons under disability.
“This arrest and indictment are a result of diligent, thorough police work,” O’Malley said. “CDP homicide detectives are well-trained and smarter than Dy’mond Vaden thinks.”
Both Vaden and McQueen are expected to be arraigned at the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. PEOPLE has reached out to the prosecutor’s office for further details.
