News

Actions

Second woman identified in Ashland abduction, murder case

Posted at 7:10 PM, Sep 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-16 19:12:51-04

The second body found in an Ashland home earlier this week has been identified. 

Elizabeth Griffith, 29, was identified as the second woman whose body was found at a home in Ashland where another was found alive, said Ashland County Prosecutor Christopher Tunnel.

According to the Ashland Source newspaper, Griffith was last seen on Aug. 16 in the area of Wal-Mart and Aldi’s on U.S. 250 East in Ashland.

RELATED: Murder charges filed against man arrested in Ashland abduction

A woman called Ashland police early Tuesday, reporting she was being held inside a home against her will. When officers responded to the area of the home, they found the woman alive with Shawn Michael Grate.

The remains of Griffith and Stacey Stanley, 43, were also found.

Ashland police identified the other body as Stacey Stanley, 43, on Wednesday. 

Grate, 40, is charged with two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping.

RELATED: Police identify one of the bodies found in Ashland as missing woman

He appeared in Ashland Common Pleas Court Friday via Skype for a bond hearing. During the hearing, Judge Ronald Forstoefhel set a $1 million bond for Grate and appointed a lawyer to represent him. 

When asked if he agreed to the conditions set by the bond, Grate replied, "Sounds fair." 

He is scheduled to appear in court Monday morning. Grate was being held in the Ashland County Jail. 

RELATED: Hundreds gather for vigil to remember women found dead in Ashland