Ohio man convicted in 1997 cold case homicide in Lenawee County

LENAWEE COUNTY, Mich. — A man was found guilty Friday by a Lenawee County jury on multiple charges related to the 1997 cold case homicide of “John Doe.”

According to a press release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, Richardo Sepulveda, 53, of Cincinnati, was convicted of the following charges:

• One count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder (felony that carries a life sentence without possibility of parole)
• One count of assault with intent to maim (10-year felony)
• One count of conspiracy to commit assault with intent to maim (10-year felony)
• One count of tampering with evidence (10-year felony)
• One count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence (10-year felony)

Nessel’s office said police were dispatched to Blissfield Township on Nov. 19, 1997, after human remains were discovered in a cornfield owned by the caller.

After police arrived, the body of an unidentified, unclothed male was found, who was missing his head and both hands. According to the AG’s office, the hands appeared to be cut from just above the wrist. The homicide is believed to be connected to international drug trafficking activities, Nessel’s office said.

The John Doe’s identity is still unknown, but is believed to be a 32-year-old Hispanic man from the Corpus Christi/McAllen, Texas area, according to the AG’s office.

Richardo Sepulveda and Michael Sepulveda, 51, of Toledo, were charged in January 2023 in connection with the killing. Michael pleaded guilty in August 2024 to second-degree murder.

Sentencing for Michael Sepulveda is scheduled for May 15, and sentencing for Richardo Sepulveda is set for June 13.

“Because of the relentless efforts of the Michigan State Police, the multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies who never gave up, and the dedicated prosecutors in my office, we have brought a measure of accountability in this tragic case,” Nessel said. “I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence. This verdict serves as a reminder that every crime victim deserves justice, no matter how much time has passed.”

Nessel’s office said the investigation into the homicide is still ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.