CANTON - A 20-year-old maintenance worker from Canton is being held without bond on charges stemming from the beating death of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera, who disappeared from her apartment complex last week.
Ryan Brunn, who lived and worked at the apartment complex, made his first appearance in Cherokee County Superior Court in an orange jumpsuit and vest. He answered the judge's questions quietly and appeared nervous as he surveyed the crowded courtroom.
Rivera was last seen Friday evening walking to her apartment from a playground inside the complex. Authorities say they believe she was taken to an empty apartment nearby, where she was sexually assaulted, stabbed and beaten to death. Her body was found Monday.
Brunn's family members, some of whom are from Dahlonega, say he is innocent. His attorney, Daran Burns, said his client is "very shaken."
Saturday
October 19th, 2024
1:23PM
