Ryan Brunn arrested for killing of Jorelys Rivera

Metro Atlanta

Ryan Brunn arrested for killing of Jorelys Rivera

Ryan Brunn arrested for killing of Jorelys Rivera on Dec. 7, 2011.

Cherokee County Sheriff deputies arrest Ryan Brunn in the Jorelys Rivera murder on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. The 7-year-old Canton girl's body was discovered Monday.

The 20-year-old Brunn lived and worked at the same Canton apartment complex where the girl disappeared, authorities said.

Rivera died of blunt force trauma to the head and stab wounds, the GBI said Tuesday. Rivera had also been sexually assaulted, GBI Director Vernon Keenan said at a news conference in Canton.

Tips from the public led investigators to Brunn, Keenan said.

GBI Director Vernon Keenan (left) called the killing "planned and calculated."

GBI chief Vernon Keenan announced the arrest of Ryan Brunn during a press conference at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices in Canton on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2011.

Georgia State Patrol Captain Joe Hamby wore a Homicide Task Force badge during a press conference.

Canton Police Chief Jeff Lance addressed the press.

Keenan said the investigation is not over. "This is a mammoth case."

Keenan addresses the press.

A Canton police officer stands guard outside the Brunn's apartment as two residents who live across the hall are told not to come near the apartment.

A Canton police officer stands outside the building where Brunn lived.

The trash compactor and key operator outside the building where Brunn lived.

The trash compactor outside the building where Brunn lived. Officers were busy looking at Brunn's apartment, not far from the trash compactor where the Rivera was found.

A Canton police officer enters the breezeway to the building where Brunn lived.

Brunn was arrested on Wednesday. He's being held without bond at jail.

Blass Rivera, grandfather of murder victim Jorelys Rivera, leave the family's River Ridge apartment.

A group of River Ridge apartment residents gather near a memorial for murder victim Jorelys Rivera at the Canton complex.

Dominga Juan weeps as she and a group of River Ridge apartment residents gather near a memorial for murder victim Jorelys Rivera at the Canton complex.

Jocelyn Rivera, mother of murder victim Jorelys Rivera, leaves the family's apartment.

1/20

Cherokee County Sheriff deputies arrest Ryan Brunn in the Jorelys Rivera murder on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011. The 7-year-old Canton girl's body was discovered Monday.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Spring Training Day 3 (Thursday)

PHOTOS: Day 3 of Spring Training for Braves

4m ago

Her Story Art and Food

AJC photos of the month -- January 2026

Spring Training Day 2 (Wednesday)

PHOTOS: Braves settle into day 2 of spring training

Spring Training Day 1

PHOTOS: Braves arrive for spring training

More Galleries

World Cup draw party TKTKT

PHOTOS: Fans attend 2026 World Cup draw party in Atlanta

Randy Beck

'No body' homicide cases in Georgia

Stitch rendering 2025

PHOTOS: Renderings of Stitch project over Atlanta's Downtown Connector

People are silhouetted against a huge Pride flag before the start of the Atlanta Pride Parade on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Photos: Atlanta Pride Parade 2025