Michelle Rust: Missing Mother From Maryland

On July 20, 2002 Michelle Rust left her home to go shopping for birthday supplies for her son's third birthday party which was being held later the same day.  What started out as a trip to the store ended up being the last time anyone has seen Michelle.  The last person to see her, her husband, Dwight, or "D.J."

When she didn't return to her home in Halethorpe, MD on time, family members started searching for her and found her vehicle abandoned in the neighboring community, Landsdowne, with a key broken off on the driver's side door lock.

The community and family came together and organized searches for Michelle, but they did not yield any clues as to her whereabouts.  No clothing, jewelry or personal items were ever found, not even a black bag she carried with her diabetic supplies inside.  After several months authorities categorized her vanishing as foul play and, of course, started searching for suspects.

It's reported that her husband, "D.J." was having extramarital affairs and feared that one of his girlfriends may have done harm to Michelle.  Authorities said that no one has reported seeing Michelle leave her home that day, other than what "D.J." told them.  He maintains his innocence in her disappearance and says that he saw her in her vehicle rounding the bend while leaving their home.  He also states there was no one else seen in the car with her.

Michelle Rust was attending Halethorpe Community Church and helped coordinate the youth activities there.  Those who knew her, adults and youth alike, described her as "likable with a passion and a heart for people."  Several of the youth befriended her and her vanishing left them mourning and praying for her return.  Although her parents, Ray and Gwen Lins, have accepted the fact that she is likely dead, they also describe her as a loving, caring mother who would never leave her child.

Although "D.J." Rust divorced Michelle in 2007, he still lives in the same home from which she disappeared in 2002 and retains custody of their son.   He has not been ruled out as a suspect.  After all these years the only ones who have been ruled out as suspects are Michelle's parents, Ray and Gwen Lins, who continue to miss her.

There is still an open and ongoing investigation and someone knows something.  By circulating this article around the internet you will be doing your small part in possibly getting the information in front of that someone who knows.

From FBI:

DESCRIPTION

Date of Birth: July 27, 1977
Place of Birth: Baltimore, Maryland 
Sex: Female
Hair: Red 
Height: 5'4"
Eyes: Blue 
Weight: 140 pounds
Race: White 


REMARKS

Michelle Rust was last known to be wearing a black v-neck shirt along with the following jewelry: a white gold cross necklace, a blue sapphire ring, and a diamond engagement ring. She is an insulin dependent diabetic.

Individuals with information concerning this case should take no action themselves, but instead immediately contact the nearest FBI Office or local law enforcement agency. For any possible sighting outside the United States, contact the nearest United States Embassy or Consulate.


If you have any information concerning this case, please contact: 
Baltimore County Police 
410-307-2020 
OR 
410-887-3943 

NamUs #MP 2279   https://www.findthemissing.org/cases/2279/0/