DARKE COUNTY — An Elyria, Ohio, man accused of kidnapping and murdering his ex-girlfriend is now in the custody of the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.
Roy E. Owens Jr. was arrested Wednesday afternoon following a car crash near the small village of Woodington, north of Greenville, Ohio.
Owens, 56, is suspected of kidnapping and killing Linnea Satterfield, 56, of Elyria. Satterfield’s sister reported her missing Monday. Her body was found in the trunk of the vehicle. The cause of death is not known. An autopsy will be performed.
In a press release issued by Elyria Police Capt. Chris Costantino, the Elyria Police Department received a call from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office, informing the department they had Owens in custody.
Deputies were initially contacted regarding an impaired driver. They located Owens’ vehicle in a ditch on State Route 49. The car had front end damage from impact with a pole. Owens was located near the vehicle wearing only his underwear and socks. He was armed with a knife. As deputies approached the suspect, he placed the blade of the knife to his neck and then also to his wrists. The knife was dull and caused no significant injuries. Deputies were able to apprehend Owens without incident.
When deputies searched the vehicle, they found a woman’s body, believed to be that of Satterfield, in the trunk.
Elyria Police Detectives are en route to Darke County to assist in the investigation. Already facing charges for kidnapping, felonious assault, and domestic violence, the Elyria Police Department has signed an additional arrest warrant against Owens for aggravated murder.