Canton Mother Found Dead Near Creek, Family Seeks Justice

Charise Otis' body was discovered wrapped in blankets and tied with ratchet straps, sparking a police investigation.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a ratchet strap against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence found at the crime scene.The discovery of Charise Otis' body wrapped in blankets and tied with ratchet straps has sparked a police investigation into her suspicious death.Canton Today

The body of 47-year-old Charise Otis was found along a creek in Canton, Ohio on Tuesday, April 14. Otis' twin sister Chrystal and father Kelly LeVert believe she was murdered, and are urging anyone with information to come forward to help solve the case.

Why it matters

Otis' suspicious death has devastated her family, who are seeking answers and justice. The case has also shaken the Canton community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for a thorough police investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Otis' death.

The details

Otis' body was discovered wrapped in blankets and tied with ratchet straps near Nimishillen Creek and Hartford Middle School. The Canton Police Department is investigating the death, and an autopsy is being performed by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. Otis' family believes she was murdered, as her body was decomposed when found.

  • Otis' body was discovered on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
  • The family is planning a vigil to honor Charise on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • A memorial service is scheduled for May 2, 2026.

The players

Charise Otis

A 47-year-old Canton woman whose body was found dead near a creek, sparking a police investigation into her suspicious death.

Chrystal Otis

Charise Otis' twin sister, who is seeking answers and justice in her sister's death.

Kelly LeVert

Charise Otis' father, who also believes his daughter was murdered and is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Canton Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Charise Otis' suspicious death.

Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office

The office performing the autopsy on Charise Otis' body.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I just couldn't stop screaming. That was my twin, and I knew something was wrong.”

— Chrystal Otis, Charise Otis' twin sister

“I think somebody did something. I know somebody did something to her. In my heart of hearts and my dad's heart of hearts, we feel like it was murder.”

— Chrystal Otis, Charise Otis' twin sister

“It's very hurtful. We just need to get to the bottom of it and stop the people from doing it.”

— Kelly LeVert, Charise Otis' father

What’s next

The Canton Police Department is continuing its investigation into Charise Otis' death, and the family is urging anyone with information to come forward. An autopsy is being performed by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death.

The takeaway

Charise Otis' suspicious death has devastated her family and shaken the Canton community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for a thorough police investigation to bring those responsible to justice. The family's grief and determination to uncover the truth underscores the human toll of such tragedies and the importance of community support during difficult times.