A quiet neighborhood in Ohio has been left in shock after police say a 28-year-old man brutally killed his neighbor, hid the body inside a rug, and buried it under mulch beside his home.
Investigators say the disturbing discovery was made after the suspect’s own father called emergency services, fearing his son had committed a murder. The case has now drawn major attention, especially after records revealed the suspect had previously served prison time for another homicide.
Ohio Man Charged With Murder of Neighbor
Markus Say Yeanay, 28, has been arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his neighbor, Xavier Reynolds, 39.
The incident happened in Columbus, where police discovered Reynolds’ body hidden outside a home in a residential neighborhood.
Court records show Yeanay is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
Father’s 911 Call Led Police to the Body
According to investigators, the case began when Yeanay’s father called emergency services late Monday night.
He reportedly told dispatchers that his son had been acting strangely and that he believed someone had been killed and hidden near the house.
When officers arrived at the property on Brocton Court, they searched the area and made a horrifying discovery.
Body Found Wrapped in Rug Under Mulch
Police found Xavier Reynolds’ body wrapped inside a rug.
Investigators say the body had:
- Been wrapped tightly in carpeting
- Been covered with a tarp
- Been hidden beneath a large pile of mulch
- Been placed beside the home in an apparent attempt to conceal the remains
Authorities immediately treated the scene as a homicide investigation.
Autopsy Revealed Cause of Death
A medical examination later confirmed that Reynolds died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Investigators believe he was beaten to death before his body was hidden outside the home.
Police described the injuries as evidence of severe homicidal violence.
Suspect Allegedly Fled After Being Confronted
According to investigators, Yeanay’s father found the hidden body and confronted his son.
Police say that after being questioned, Yeanay reportedly began crying before running away from the property.
Authorities launched a search, and a SWAT team later located and arrested him the following morning.
Blood and Possible Weapons Found Inside Home
During a search of the residence, detectives reportedly found major evidence connected to the killing.
Investigators recovered:
- A large amount of blood inside the home
- Clothing believed to be connected to the crime
- Potential weapons found in nearby trash cans
This evidence is expected to play an important role in the prosecution.
Suspect Has Previous Homicide Conviction
Court records show this is not the first homicide case involving Markus Yeanay.
Authorities say he previously served nine years in prison in Indiana after being convicted in connection with the killing of his uncle in 2016.
This criminal history has added even more attention to the current investigation.
Neighbors Shocked by Violence
Residents in the Brittany Hills neighborhood say the incident has left the community stunned.
Neighbors described the area as peaceful, close-knit, and normally free from violent crime.
Many residents reportedly checked on elderly neighbors after learning about the murder.
Suspect Remains in Jail
Yeanay is currently being held at the James A. Karnes Correctional Center.
A judge in Franklin County ordered him to remain in custody on a $1 million bond while the murder case moves forward.
Investigation Continues
Detectives are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses as they build the case.
With the suspect’s criminal history, disturbing evidence, and the shocking nature of the allegations, this case is expected to remain in the public spotlight as it moves through the Ohio court system.
