(WWJ) Two Ohio men have been ordered to trial on charges that they planned and carried of the gruesome murder of a "John Doe," whose dismembered body was found on Michigan farm more than two decades ago.
Michigan State Police say on November 19, 1997, a farmer in Lenawee County's Blissfield Township called 911 to report he'd discovered human remains in his cornfield. The unidentified victim's head and hands had been removed, police said, making identification extremely difficult.
The victims was naked, according to investigators, his hands appeared to have been cut from just above the wrist, and officers also found what appeared to be saw striations on the ends of the bones.
In January of this year, MSP's cold case unit tracked down two suspects — 51-year-old Richardo Sepulveda of Cincinnati, and his brother, 49-year-old Michael Sepulveda of Toledo — who were were believed to be connected to the murder.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said this Thursday, both men were bound over for trial on the following charges in the case:
- First-degree Murder, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole
- Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Premediated Murder, a felony that carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole
- Assault with Intent to Maim, a 10-year felony
- Conspiracy to commit Assault with Intent to Maim, a 10-year felony
- Tampering with Evidence, a 10-year felony
- Conspiracy to Commit Tampering with Evidence, a 10-year felony.
“All crime victims deserve justice regardless of how long it takes to receive it,” said Nessel, in a media release Friday. “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.”
Both men are scheduled to be arraigned in Lenawee County's 39th Circuit Court on August 16.
Meanwhile, MSP said efforts are still ongoing to attempt to identify the victim in this case. He is described as a light-skinned, Hispanic male approximately 5'8'' tall, between the ages of 20 and 40. He weighed around 150 to 180 lbs., and could barely speak English, police said.
Authorities believe that the victim may be from southern Texas, in the Corpus Christie area, near McAllen or Weslaco, or possibly just across the border in Mexico. MSP released a composite sketch of the man.
Anyone who may be able to identify this John Doe, or who has any information about this case, should call Michigan State Police D/Sgt. Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.
More on today's top stories:
Related
