Two men bound over for 1997 Lenawee County homicide

Richardo Sepulveda, 51 of Cincinnati, OH and Michael Sepulveda, 49 of Toledo, OH, were bound over yesterday for the 1997 cold case homicide of “John Doe,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.   

They are facing the following charges:   

• Count 1 - First Degree Premediated Murder, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole.  

• Count 2 - Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Premediated Murder, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

• Count 3 - Assault with Intent to Maim, a ten-year felony.

• Count 4 - Conspiracy to commit Assault with Intent to Maim, a ten-year felony.

• Count 5 - Tampering with Evidence, a ten-year felony.

• Count 6 - Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence, a ten-year felony.  

“All crime victims deserve justice regardless of how long it takes to receive it,” said Nessel. “I appreciate the hard work of the Michigan State Police, the many local and federal law enforcement agencies, and my criminal trial prosecutors for their persistence in pursuing this case.”

On November 19, 1997, police were dispatched to Blissfield Twp. 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.?   

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, Texas area. The investigation is still ongoing, if anyone has information, contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.

Both men will face arraignment on August 16 at 8:15 a.m. in the 39th Circuit Court in Lenawee County.