A Delaware man has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Matthew Whisman, a 25-year-old from East Drumore Township, Pennsylvania. Whisman’s remains were discovered on the banks of Conowingo Creek in Maryland by a camp counselor on August 8, while on a nature hike.
Authorities were alerted to the scene near Camp Shadow Brook Road, prompting a search involving the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, local fire companies, and search dog units from both states.
During the search, additional skeletal remains were found on August 14. These remains were later sent for DNA testing, which confirmed their identity as Whisman’s on October 11.
Whisman had been reported missing after being seen taken from a residence against his will on April 3, prompting law enforcement to classify him as a critically missing person.
Three individuals were subsequently identified as persons of interest in the case: 25-year-old Jeremy Wayne Absher of Bear, Delaware; 27-year-old Steven Scott Gaddis of Nottingham, Pennsylvania; and a 17-year-old juvenile from Pennsylvania.
According to the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office, Whisman was related to Absher and was known to all three suspects.
Investigators believe that Whisman assisted law enforcement in an investigation involving Absher and Gaddis, which may have led to his kidnapping and subsequent murder.
Charges have been filed against the suspects in Pennsylvania, where they will face prosecution for their alleged roles in this tragic case.