24 year old Michelle Rust was last seen at her home in Halethorpe, Maryland on July 20, 2002. She disappeared after reportedly going out to buy some items for her son’s third birthday party.
Background
Michelle Rust was born on July 27, 1977 and graduated from Landsdowne High School. She married her husband, Dwight David “DJ” Rust Jr, in 1997.
She worked at a day care facility before becoming a stay at home mom. Her maiden name is Lins.
Disappearance
Around 9:30 am on July 20, 2002, Michelle Rust was last seen leaving her home in the 1800 block of Clark Boulevard in Halethorpe, Maryland.
She was driving her dark green 1998 Dodge Caravan, and was headed out to pick up some things for her son’s third birthday party. Michelle never returned home, and hasn’t been seen since.
At 11:00 am, her vehicle was found abandoned on Clyde Avenue in the nearby residential community of Landsdowne. The key had been broken off in the driver’s side door, and her keychain was missing.
Loved ones say she would have never left her child behind. Michelle is diabetic and dependent on insulin.
Investigation
There has been no activity on Michelle’s bank account or credit cards since she went missing, and she didn’t take any personal belongings with her.
Investigators initially believed Michelle left home to purchase birthday supplies that morning, but were unable to find any witnesses who saw her leave home that morning. They now suspect foul play.
Michelle’s husband, Dwight David “DJ” Rust Jr, is the only person who reports he saw her leave home that morning. He maintains his innocence in his wife’s disappearance.
Rust filed for divorce from Michelle in 2007 and sought custody of their son.
In 2023, authorities returned to the Rust residence on Clark Boulevard to search for more leads, using ground penetrating radar. Michelle and her husband lived next door to her in-laws, whose property was also searched.
On April 21, 2026, a grand jury indicted Dwight David Rust Jr on a first degree murder charge in connection with his wife Michelle’s disappearance. He is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention center without bail.
At his bail hearing, prosecutors argued that Dwight was having an affair and was taking “active steps” to start a new life without Michelle. They say they’ve eliminated the possibility of Michelle committing suicide or leaving voluntarily, which leaves them with Dwight having the only means or motive to kill her.
After his wife’s disappearance, Dwight married the woman he was having an affair with. They have three children together.
Michelle’s body has never been found.
Appearance
White female with red hair and blue eyes. Michelle stands 5’4 tall and weighs 140 pounds. She had a permanent retainer on her lower teeth, and a cut on the ball of her right foot at the time of her disappearance.
Clothing & Accessories:
Michelle was last seen wearing a black v-neck shirt, a sapphire ring on her right ring finger, a white gold cross necklace with diamonds, and a diamond engagement ring.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the case of Michelle Rust please contact the Baltimore County Police Department at (410) 887-2214.
Agency case number 022011000.
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