WESTFIELD, Ind. – After being found in 1996 at a property in Westfield, Indiana, human remains have finally been identified, officials announced on Thursday.
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison revealed that the remains found at Fox Hollow Farm belong to Manuel Resendez, who went missing in August 1993.
The property where the remains were found previously belonged to Herb Baumeister, a notorious Indiana serial killer suspected of killing at least 25 young men. Investigators believe he may be responsible for even more deaths. Baumeister fled to the Canadian border in 1996, where he took his own life after authorities focused on him following the discovery of remains on his property.
Authorities reported that around 10,000 charred bones and bone fragments were discovered at Baumeister’s 18-acre property in Westfield. The identification of Manuel Resendez was the result of collaborative efforts between forensic experts and the coroner’s office, which had been working diligently to identify the numerous human remains recovered from Fox Hollow Farm.
Jellison expressed gratitude to the entire team of law enforcement and forensic specialists who had supported the effort to identify the remains. He also extended a special thanks to the Indiana State Police Laboratory and Dr. Krista Latham of the Biology & Anthropology Department at the University of Indianapolis.
The identification of Manuel Resendez brings closure to his loved ones and sheds light on the horrific crimes committed by Herb Baumeister, whose heinous acts have left a lasting impact on the Westfield community and beyond. The dedication of forensic experts and law enforcement in identifying the remains speaks to the commitment of authorities to bring closure and justice to victims and their families.