Toledo Man Sentenced for 1997 Lenawee County Cold-Case Homicide

LANSING –Today, Michael Sepulveda, 51, of Toledo, Ohio, was sentenced to 10 to 30 years’ incarceration before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court after pleading guilty to Second Degree Murder in August of 2024 in connection to the 1997 cold-case homicide of “John Doe,” announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.   

On November 19, 1997, police were dispatched to Blissfield Township in response to the discovery of human remains in a cornfield owned and farmed by the caller. When police arrived to examine the remains, they observed the body of an unidentified, unclothed male that was missing the head and both hands. The hands appeared to have been cut from just above the wrist. Officers also observed what appeared to be saw striations on the ends of the bones. The homicide is believed to be connected to international drug trafficking activities. 

In January of 2023, Attorney General Nessel charged Michael Sepulveda and co-defendant Richardo Sepulveda, 53, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in connection with the homicide. Richardo Sepulveda was found guilty by a Lenawee County jury of multiple felonies in April. 

“I am grateful for the tireless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in my office for securing this sentence,” Nessel said. “My Department remains committed to delivering justice for crime victims and holding violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes.” 

To date, John Doe’s identity is still unknown, but he is believed to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christie/McAllen, Texas area. The investigation is still ongoing. If anyone has information, please contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.  

Richardo Sepulveda is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, before Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court.