Image Courtesy of Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Who Was Michelle Busha?
Michelle Yvette Busha was an 18-year-old from Bay City, Texas. Struggling with a difficult home life, she ran away in search of freedom and a fresh start. Bright, young, and full of hope, Michelle never imagined her journey would end in tragedy at the hands of someone sworn to protect.
The Night It Happened
In May 1980, Michelle was hitchhiking when she was picked up by Minnesota State Trooper Robert Leroy Nelson. What should have been a simple ride turned into a nightmare. Nelson handcuffed her, sexually assaulted her, and left her body in a drainage ditch along Interstate 90 in Blue Earth, Minnesota. Her life was stolen in the most cruel, senseless way imaginable.
A Name Lost for Decades
When Michelle’s body was discovered, she was badly decomposed. Authorities had no way to identify her, and for 35 years she was known only as “Blue Earth Jane Doe.” Her family in Bay City held on to hope, never knowing if they would see her again.
The Killer Behind the Badge
Robert Leroy Nelson was eventually caught for other sexual assaults, but Michelle’s identity and the truth about her death remained hidden. Nelson later confessed to killing her, revealing details only the murderer could know. Yet justice for Michelle was delayed for decades.
Finding Michelle After 35 Years
Persistent investigators and advances in DNA technology finally gave Michelle her name back. In 2015, her remains were identified, and her family could finally lay her to rest. After all those years, Michelle was no longer a nameless victim—she was their daughter, sister, and a young woman whose life had been stolen far too soon.
Why Michelle’s Story Matters
Michelle Busha’s case is a grim reminder of the dangers young women face and the darkness that can hide behind a badge. It’s also a testament to persistence—how dedicated investigators and advocates can finally bring closure, even decades later. Michelle’s story demands we remember the victims and never forget that some killers can blend into the very system meant to protect us.
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
