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Timeline: How the death of Jonathan Minard led to the arrest of a Carroll County farmer

Jonathan Minard, 14, was found dead in a shallow grave in April 2019. Here's how the case unfolded.

CARROLLTON, Ohio — The suspicious death of a 14-year-old rocked the quiet, rural Carroll County area earlier this year.

Fourteen-year-old Jonathan Minard was reported missing in April. Days later, his body was found in a shallow grave on a Washington Township farm. 

It took months for investigators to secure an arrest in the case. Now, 30-year-old Matthew Little faces several charges, including involuntary manslaughter.

Below is a timeline of how all the events played out. 

April 13: Jonathan Minard is last seen

Jonathan is working on a farm when he complains of a toothache, saying he plans to call his mother and return home. His mother never receives a call and Jonathan isn't seen again.

April 16: A search team is organized 

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office organizes a search for Jonathan. Sheriff Dale Williams also reveals that a person of interest was questioned in Jonathan's disappearance, but no arrests are made.

April 17: Search considered a 'criminal investigation'

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office says the search for Jonathan is considered a criminal investigation.

April 19: Jonathan's body is found

Jonathan's body is found in a "shallow grave" on a Washington Township farm. Officials refuse to comment on potential suspects.

July 8: Coroner rules Jonathan's death a homicide

The Carroll County Coroner rules Jonathan's death a homicide by "acute fentanyl intoxication." Authorities provide no updates on any suspects.

Sept. 4: Matthew Little is charged in Jonathan's death

Sheriff's deputies arrest 30-year-old Matthew Little in Jonathan's death. Little is hit with 15 charges, including three counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Sept. 5: Little makes first court appearance

A $10 million bond is issued for Little, who makes his first court appearance in Carroll County Municipal Court.

Sept. 11: Little arraigned, bond reduced

Little returns to court for arraignment and pleads not guilty to all charges. His defense team requests his bond be reduced to $500,000, but a judge agrees to drop it to $1 million on condition he wear an ankle monitor and remain on his farm property.

RELATED: Bond reduced for man charged in Carroll County teen’s death

RELATED: Matthew Little faces 15 charges in connection with death of 14-year-old Jonathan Minard in Carroll County

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