In February 2024, the community of Cadillac, Michigan, was shaken by the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the murder of 55-year-old Michael Hague. A male resident of the area, Hague was reported missing on February 20, 2024. The initial investigation by Michigan State Police at his home quickly raised concerns, as his truck, dog, phone, and other personal belongings were all found at the residence.
Further examination of the property revealed a recently disturbed area of ground
behind the house, prompting a more thorough search. On February 23, detectives executed a search warrant and began to excavate the suspicious site. Their efforts soon uncovered a grim scene: large pieces of burnt wood, tires, remnants of charred clothing, and what appeared to be human flesh. Continued digging led to the tragic discovery of Michael Hague's body, which had been burned and buried.
The investigation swiftly focused on two individuals who had been living with Hague prior to his disappearance: 45-year-old Michael Peter Hayes of LeRoy and 18-year-old Katelynne Jonelle Hendricks of Tustin. Both were known to be involved in narcotics and were already incarcerated in separate jails on unrelated charges when Hague's body was found.
Prosecutors allege that Hayes shot and killed Hague sometime between February 12 and February 14. Following the murder, it is believed Hayes proceeded to mutilate and bury the victim's body. On April 30, 2024, both Hayes and Hendricks were formally charged in connection with Hague's death. Hayes was arraigned in the 84th District Court on multiple charges, including first-degree premeditated homicide, felony firearm, disinterment and mutilation of a dead body, concealing the death of an individual, and removing a dead body without a medical examiner. He was held without bond. Hendricks was charged with accessory after the fact to a felony and concealing the death of an individual, with her bond set at $500,000.
