On Friday, Richardo Sepulveda, a 53-year-old resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, was found guilty of multiple felonies by a Lenawee County jury in the 1997 cold-case homicide of an individual referred to as "John Doe." The announcement came from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Sepulveda faced the following convictions:
- Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder, which carries a life sentence without parole
- Assault with Intent to Maim, a felony with a potential 10-year sentence
- Conspiracy to Commit Assault with Intent to Maim, also carrying a 10-year sentence
- Tampering with Evidence, a 10-year felony
- Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence, a 10-year felony
The case dates back to November 19, 1997, when human remains were discovered in a cornfield in Blissfield Township. The body was that of an unidentified male, missing his head and both hands. Police noted the presence of saw marks on the body's bones. The incident is suspected to be linked to international drug trafficking.
Attorney General Nessel charged Sepulveda and his co-defendant, Michael Sepulveda, 51, from Toledo, Ohio, in January 2023. Michael Sepulveda pled guilty to Second Degree Murder in August 2024.
Nessel commended the work done by law enforcement and the jury, stating, "Because of the relentless efforts of the Michigan State Police, the multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies who never gave up, and the dedicated prosecutors in my office, we have brought a measure of accountability in this tragic case. I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence. This verdict serves as a reminder that every crime victim deserves justice, no matter how much time has passed."
The victim, believed to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christi/McAllen, Texas area, remains unidentified. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Larry Rothman.
Michael Sepulveda's sentencing is set for May 15, 2025, while Richardo Sepulveda's sentencing will take place on June 13, 2025, both before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court.