After nearly three decades, justice has finally been served in the brutal 1997 cold-case homicide of an unidentified man in Lenawee County, Michigan. Richardo Sepulveda, 53, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was sentenced to lifetime imprisonment on Friday by Judge Michael R. Olsaver in the 39th Circuit Court, following his conviction on multiple felony charges.
The sentencing, announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, brings a measure of closure to a case that has haunted investigators for years. In April, a Lenawee County jury found Sepulveda guilty of:
- One count of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder
- One count of Assault with Intent to Maim
- One count of Conspiracy to Commit Assault with Intent to Maim
- One count of Tampering with Evidence
- One count of Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence
The horrific discovery of the victim, known only as “John Doe,” occurred on November 19, 1997, in a cornfield in Blissfield Township. Police found the unclothed body of a male, meticulously dismembered, with both the head and hands missing.
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Authorities noted apparent saw striations on the bones, indicating a deliberate and brutal act. The homicide has long been suspected to be linked to international drug trafficking activities.
The breakthrough in the case came in January 2023 when Attorney General Nessel charged Richardo Sepulveda and his co-defendant, Michael Sepulveda, 51, of Toledo, Ohio, in connection with the murder. Michael Sepulveda pleaded 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,” said Attorney General 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.”
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Despite the conviction and sentencing, the identity of “John Doe” remains unknown. Investigators believe him to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christi/McAllen, Texas area. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of “John Doe” or any other details related to the 1997 homicide is urged to contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.
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