Remains discovered on the central Indiana estate of a suspected serial killer have been identified as those of a man reported missing in 1993, according to Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison.
The remains were recovered at Herbert Baumeister’s Fox Hollow Farm estate in 1996 and have now been identified as Manuel Resendez, who went missing at the age of 34. Resendez’s identification was confirmed using a family reference sample provided in early 2023.
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison expressed gratitude to the law enforcement and forensic specialists involved in the effort. Approximately 10,000 charred bones and bone fragments were found at Baumeister’s 18-acre estate in Westfield, Indiana.
Baumeister, who was 49 at the time, took his own life in Canada in July 1996 as investigators sought to question him about the remains found at Fox Hollow Farm. Investigators suspected Baumeister of luring men to his home and killing them, linking him to the disappearance of at least 16 men since 1980.
In 2022, a renewed effort to identify the charred bones was initiated, with DNA samples from relatives of young men who disappeared between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s being collected. Investigators believe the bones and fragments could represent the remains of at least 25 people.
The case began in June 1996 when Baumeister’s son discovered a human skull near their home. Baumeister’s wife filed for an emergency protective order and custody of their children after the discovery. Baumeister initially explained the remains as part of his late father’s medical practice. Additional remains were found by firefighters a few days later.
Relatives of missing persons potentially connected to the case are encouraged to contact the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.
