Rogell E. "Gene" John II, a 71-year-old male of Caucasian ethnicity, passed away on June 12, 2017, in Canton, Ohio. He was a Vietnam War veteran, a graduate of East Canton High School and Bowling Green State University, and the former owner/operator of Seventh Generation Ventures, LLC. Gene was an active member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church and the Osnaburg Historical Society.
He is survived by his two children, Stacey and Jason John, and several other family members.
Gene and his wife, Roberta R. John, were found dead in their home on Mount Pleasant Street NW in North Canton. The couple had just returned from a vacation when they were murdered. Stark County Sheriff George Maier stated that there was no forced entry into the home, suggesting that the suspect knew the victims. The couple's son discovered their bodies and alerted the authorities.
The investigation led to the arrest of George C. Brinkman Jr., a longtime employee and family friend who had been house-sitting for the Johns while they were on vacation. Brinkman was also linked to a triple homicide in North Royalton, where three women were killed in a separate incident. He was taken into custody after a standoff with police and was charged with the murders of Rogell and Roberta John.
The tragic deaths of Rogell E. John II and Roberta R. John shook the community, and the case drew significant media attention due to the connection with the North Royalton homicides. The investigation revealed that Brinkman had a history of working for the couple and had been in possession of evidence linking him to the murders.
In summary, Rogell E. John II, a 71-year-old Caucasian male, was murdered in his home in Canton, Ohio, along with his wife, Roberta R. John. The suspect, George C. Brinkman Jr., was a family friend and former employee who had been house-sitting for the couple. Brinkman was also linked to a triple homicide in North Royalton, and he was arrested and charged with the murders.
