Great Lakes Wire

Richardo Sepulveda, a 53-year-old resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court. This follows his conviction by a Lenawee County jury for multiple felonies related to the 1997 cold-case homicide of an unidentified man referred to as "John Doe." Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the sentencing.

In April, Sepulveda was found guilty of several charges: conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, assault with intent to maim, conspiracy to commit assault with intent to maim, tampering with evidence, and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence.

The case dates back to November 19, 1997, when police responded to Blissfield Township after human remains were discovered in a cornfield. The body was that of an unclothed male missing his head and both hands. Investigators noted saw striations on the bones. Authorities suspect the homicide is linked to international drug trafficking activities.

Attorney General Nessel charged Richardo Sepulveda and his co-defendant Michael Sepulveda in January 2023. Michael Sepulveda pled guilty to second-degree murder in August 2024 and received a sentence of 10 to 30 years' incarceration in May.

"Every victim deserves to have their case thoroughly investigated and pursued," stated Nessel. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of prosecutors in my office and local, state, and federal law enforcement, justice has finally been served nearly three decades after this horrific murder. My office will continue to stand up for crime victims and ensure offenders are held accountable."

The identity of John Doe remains unknown; however, he is believed to be a Hispanic man aged around 32 from the Corpus Christi/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.