Husband Charged In Woman's 2002 Disappearance: Police

BALTIMORE CO., MD — After 23 years, an arrest was made in connection with the disappearance of Michelle Rust, who was last seen in 2002.

The Baltimore County Police Department said the woman's husband, Dwight David Rust Jr., was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the case.

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Police said the husband was indicted on Monday by a grand jury and arrested by officers on Tuesday. He remains held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center in Towson.

As the indictment remains sealed, it's not immediately known what new evidence investigators found that prompted the felony charge.

A release issued by police stated Michelle was last seen driving a green Dodge van on July 20, 2002.

At that time, Dwight told investigators that his wife had left their home on the 1800 block of Clarke Boulevard to pick up items for their son's third birthday party.

While search efforts did not lead to Michelle's discovery, the Dodge van was found by her father-in-law on the 2400 block of Zion Road. Officials said the car was unoccupied and that it had the key broken off in the driver's door lock.

The Banner reported that witnesses said they never saw Michelle leave the home, adding that the only people ruled out as suspects in the case were her parents.