Hardin County, Ohio — Dustin Bolen has pleaded guilty to murder, gross abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his father, Michael Bolen, who went missing in March of 2024.
His sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Dustin was identified as a person of interest early in the investigation, and was taken into custody last April.
On November 7, 2024, a grand jury indicted the 42 year old with murder, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse for the presumed death of his father, Michael Bolen.
On December 17, 2024, authorities found what they believe to be the body of Michael Bolen. The discovery was made during a search warrant at 304 Hunsicker Street in McGuffey, Ohio, the home Michael shared with his son, Dustin.
The Disappearance of Michael Bolen
At the time of his disappearance, Michael Bolen was living with his son, Dustin, in McGuffey, Ohio, about 20 miles east of Lima.
Disappearance
On March 28, 2024, Michael Bolen stayed the night at his 88 year old mother’s house. He left the next morning, saying he would be back to do laundry, but never returned.
Michael was last seen on March 29, 2024, at his residence in the 300 block of Hunsicker Street in McGuffey, Ohio. He was scheduled to have a medical scan done at a hospital that day, but never showed up.
On March 31, 2024, his family reported him missing to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office after being unable to contact him.
Investigation
Searches around Bolen’s residence, as well as in areas of Foraker and Alger were conducted, but no further clues as to his whereabouts were found.
In April 2024, a search warrant was conducted at Bolen’s residence in the 300 block of Hunsicker Street in McGuffey. Items were removed from the home for forensic evaluation, though the results of those tests have not been made public.
Son Charged in Michael Bolen’s Murder
On November 7, 2024, a grand jury indicted 42 year old Dustin Ray Bolen with murder, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse for the presumed death of his father, Michael Bolen.
He was also indicted on weapons charges, trafficking fentanyl, theft from a person in a protected class, and possessing criminal tools.
“The sheriff’s office would like to thank the Hardin County Prosecutor’s Office for assistance with this investigation,” according to a press release. “The in-depth investigation is ongoing. No other information will be released at this time.”
Bolen’s bond was set at one million dollars cash or surety, and a jury trial is set to begin on May 5, 2025.
Body Believed to be Michael Bolen Found
On December 16, 2024, Dustin Bolen confessed to family members that he had indeed killed his father, Michael Bolen, and buried him in the crawl space of their residence.
On December 17, 2024, authorities found what they believe to be the body of Michael Bolen.
The discovery was made during a search warrant at 304 Hunsicker Street in McGuffey, Ohio, the home Michael shared with his son, Dustin Ray Bolen.
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