NewsE-Team

Actions

Murder victim's brother charged after profanity-laced voicemail to lieutenant

Posted at 7:26 AM, Feb 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-02-07 12:19:08-05

His brother was stabbed to death in 2010. Eight years later, he wants answers. But now, he's facing charges. 

Garland Dean was found lying dead in the woods in Akron a few days after he was killed. 

"For me, it was real hurtful because you would think who would just drop somebody's body off on the side of the road, with nothing on but just his boxer shorts," said Garland's brother, Daryle.

Daryle and Paris Dean haven't stopped looking for answers since their youngest brother was murdered in 2010. After a mix of passion and frustration, Daryle is facing a telephone harassment charge for a voicemail he left an Akron Lieutenant.

In the middle of January, Daryle was talking to Akron Lieutenant David Whiddon about the case. Lieutenant Whiddon says Daryle is passionate, but sometimes gets angry, making it hard to have a conversation.

"He didn't calm down and finally I gave him an ultimatum," said Lieutenant Whiddon. "I said, 'Daryle, I'm going to hang up. You call me back when you're in a better frame of mind to talk and we'll give it another shot.'"

Lieutenant Whiddon hung up, and Daryle called back, leaving a profanity-laced voicemail.

"I will admit, I'm sorry for some of the things I said," said Daryle. "But do I feel as though I was wrong? No because here it is, 8 years."

Lieutenant Whiddon says it's not normal to charge a victim's family member, but in this case, he says the police department felt like it was the only choice they had to make Daryle change his behavior.

"I know he's frustrated, and I feel bad because he's so passionate about his brother's investigation," said Lieutenant Whiddon. "But on the other hand, I can't have it to where he can't even communicate with investigators."

Daryle is due in court Thursday.

Akron police say they're hoping they can get a resolution that's fair for both parties, and continue investigating Garland's murder.

Garland Dean's case is still open. If you have any information, you can contact Lieutenant Whiddon at 330-375-2463 or through email at dwhiddon@akronohio.gov.