Michael Sepulveda, a 51-year-old resident of Toledo, Ohio, has been sentenced to a prison term ranging from 10 to 30 years. This sentence was delivered by Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court following Sepulveda's guilty plea to Second Degree Murder in August 2024. The case relates to the cold-case homicide of an unidentified individual referred to as "John Doe" from 1997, as announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The remains were discovered on November 19, 1997, in Blissfield Township. A caller reported finding human remains in their cornfield. Upon investigation, police found the body of an unclothed male missing its head and hands. The hands appeared severed just above the wrist with saw marks visible on the bones. The homicide is suspected to be linked to international drug trafficking.
Attorney General Nessel brought charges against Michael Sepulveda and his co-defendant Richardo Sepulveda, aged 53 from Cincinnati, Ohio, in January 2023 concerning this case. In April, Richardo Sepulveda was convicted of multiple felonies by a Lenawee County jury.
"I am grateful for the tireless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in my office for securing this sentence," stated Nessel. "My Department remains committed to delivering justice for crime victims and holding violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes."
The identity of John Doe remains unknown but he is believed to have been a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christie/McAllen area in Texas. The investigation continues and anyone with information is urged to contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.
Richardo Sepulveda's sentencing is set for June 13, 2025, before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the same court.