The husband of a woman who went missing in July 2002 in Baltimore County and was never found is charged in connection with her murder, according to court documents.

The man, Dwight David Rust Jr., 48, was arrested Monday and charged with the first-degree murder of his late wife, Michelle Rust, charging documents said. She was 24 when she disappeared.

Michelle Rust was supposed to be preparing for her son’s 3rd birthday party on the morning of July 20, 2002, when she went missing, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. Her body, clothing and jewelry were not recovered at the time, but detectives determined there was foul play, investigators said.

It was not immediately clear what new evidence led investigators to Dwight Rust Jr., who lived in Halethorpe. He is accused of killing his wife on or around July 19, 2002, according to court documents. A grand jury indicted Dwight Rust Jr. on Monday, but the indictment is sealed, according to a news release from the Baltimore County Police Department.

Dwight Rust Jr. initially told investigators that Michelle Rust had left the house around 9:30 a.m. on the morning of her disappearance to buy supplies for her son’s birthday party, the news release said. But witnesses told detectives that they never saw her leave her house or drive her vehicle. She drove a green 1998 Dodge Caravan, and it was found on the 2400 block of Zion Road with the key broken off the driver’s door lock.

There was no activity on her credit card or movement in her bank accounts, investigators said.

The only people ruled out as suspects in her disappearance were Michelle Rust’s parents. Her family told investigators she loved her son and had no reason to disappear on her own. They added that she was diabetic and needed insulin.

Police said she was last seen in a black V-neck shirt, a princess cut sapphire ring, a diamond engagement ring and a white gold cross necklace with diamonds.

Investigators with the Baltimore County Police Department worked on the cold case for decades, including a 2023 search of the area around her home.

Dwight Rust Jr. is being held without bond at the Baltimore County Detention Center.