Brothers Convicted After Beheaded Victim Found in Michigan Cornfield

A dramatic murder case that went cold in Michigan for more than 25 years has finally come to a close—or nearly.

Gruesome Discovery in 1997

In November 1997, a Lenawee County farmer made a chilling discovery in his cornfield. Beneath a thin layer of snow, he found the mutilated remains of a man who had been beheaded, with both hands and feet severed.

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The gruesome case left investigators baffled for more than a quarter of a century. But in January 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service made the stunning announcement that there was a break in the case.

Break in the Case After 25 Years

Following their 2023 arrests, brothers Richardo Sepulveda of Cincinnati and Michael Sepulveda of Toledo were both charged with murder, despite the victim still being unidentified. The absence of a head, hands, and feet has made it extremely difficult to confirm the man’s identity. Investigators believe the killing may have been tied to international drug trafficking.

READ MORE: Two Ohio Men Arrested in Connection with 1997 Michigan Cold Case

Last summer, the younger brother, Michael Sepulveda, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. On Friday, the elder brother, Richardo, was sentenced to life in prison on multiple convictions, including Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder, Assault with Intent to Maim, Tampering with Evidence, and related charges.

Victim Still Unidentified

The final mystery in this case remains the identity of the victim. In 2023, local media initially speculated the victim may have been named Roberto. On Friday, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced that the man is believed to be a Hispanic male in his early 30s, likely from the Corpus Christi, Texas area.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Michigan State Police Detective Sergeant Larry Rothman at 313-407-9379.