Fisherman’s Shocking Find: Human Finger Inside Massive River Fish Sparks Homicide Inquiry

Byline: By Sarah Mitchell | Cedar River, Michigan — October 14, 2025

What began as a peaceful afternoon of fishing on Michigan’s Cedar River turned into a horrifying discovery when a local man, after catching a massive catfish, found what appeared to be a human finger inside the fish’s stomach while cleaning it for dinner. Authorities have confirmed that forensic tests are underway to determine whether the remains belong to a missing person reported earlier this month. The gruesome discovery has sparked a full-scale homicide investigation, with detectives now searching the surrounding riverbanks for additional evidence. Local residents, once proud of their quiet fishing community, say they are “terrified and speechless” as police piece together what may be one of the most bizarre murder cases the state has seen in years.

A Catch Turned Nightmare

The fisherman, identified as Mark Henderson, 42, has lived in the Cedar River area his entire life. On Sunday afternoon, he was fishing alone at his favorite spot near the old railway bridge—a peaceful bend where catfish often gather.

“I’ve caught hundreds of fish here,” Henderson told reporters. “But nothing could’ve prepared me for what I saw.”

When he brought home a catfish weighing nearly 40 pounds, he expected a satisfying meal. But as he sliced open the fish, he noticed something pale and oddly shaped among the partially digested contents. “At first, I thought it was a bone,” he said. “But then I looked closer—and realized it was a finger. A human finger.”

Horrified, Henderson immediately contacted the police. Within an hour, officers from the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department arrived and secured the scene, collecting the remains and the fish for forensic analysis.

Police Launch Full Investigation

Authorities quickly confirmed the object was indeed a human finger, complete with identifiable fingerprints. “It’s very likely this was not an accident,” said Detective Laura Greene, who is leading the investigation. “We are treating this as a potential homicide until proven otherwise.”

Forensic experts have sent the tissue sample to the Michigan State Crime Lab, where DNA testing is being conducted to match the remains with any recent missing-person reports.

“We’re hopeful we’ll have results within 48 hours,” said Forensic Pathologist Dr. Henry Cole. “The tissue was relatively fresh, indicating the individual likely died within the past week or so.”

Divers and search teams were deployed along a two-mile stretch of the river on Monday morning, using sonar and underwater drones to look for additional body parts or evidence that could shed light on where the remains came from.

Possible Connection to Missing Man

Detectives are now investigating whether the discovery is connected to the disappearance of Thomas Reed, 38, a local construction worker reported missing ten days ago. Reed was last seen leaving a nearby bar after an argument with a coworker. His truck was found parked near the Cedar River trail entrance two days later, with his phone and wallet inside.

“Right now, we’re not jumping to conclusions,” Detective Greene said. “But the location and timing certainly raise questions.”

Reed’s wife, Emily Reed, broke down in tears when speaking to the press on Monday. “Tom loved fishing and camping by that river,” she said. “If that really is part of him they found… I just can’t bear to think about it.”

A Quiet Town on Edge

Cedar River is a peaceful community of fewer than 4,000 residents, known for its weekend fishing tournaments and riverside festivals. The discovery has left many residents shaken and fearful.

“I grew up swimming in that river,” said Karen Douglas, a lifelong local. “Now I can’t even look at it without thinking about what might be lying beneath.”

Restaurants that specialize in local fish dishes have seen a sudden drop in customers. “People are scared,” said Rick Lawson, owner of Riverbend Grill. “They keep asking if the fish we serve come from that stretch of river. We’ve had to assure everyone that our suppliers are from out of town.”

Local authorities have since issued a temporary advisory against recreational fishing in the Cedar River while the investigation continues. Environmental officers are testing the water to ensure there’s no contamination from decomposing remains.

The Forensic Puzzle

According to forensic experts, it’s not uncommon for large river fish such as catfish to ingest small animal parts — or even human remains — if they enter the water. However, the freshness of the finger and its intact condition have raised serious suspicions.

“This wasn’t a case of old remains,” Dr. Cole emphasized. “The tissue hadn’t decomposed significantly, which tells us the death likely occurred very recently.”

Police divers have found several potential clues along the riverbank, including a torn piece of fabric and what appears to be a section of rope. Both items have been sent for DNA and fiber analysis.

Investigators are also examining water current patterns to determine where the body might have entered the river. “If we can locate the primary dump site, we might find the rest of the remains,” Detective Greene explained. “Right now, we’re racing against time.”

Rumors and Theories Swirl

As with many shocking small-town cases, speculation has spread quickly on social media. Some locals believe the victim may have been killed elsewhere and dumped in the river, while others suspect foul play linked to illegal fishing or organized crime.

“Cedar River might look peaceful, but you’d be surprised how much happens under the radar,” said John Peterson, a retired police officer familiar with the area. “People don’t realize how easy it is to hide something—or someone—in those waters.”

Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading rumors while the investigation is ongoing. “Misinformation only hurts the case,” Chief Greene said. “We need facts, not Facebook theories.”

Community Fear and Reflection

The town held a brief candlelight vigil on Tuesday evening near the fishing dock where Henderson made the discovery. Residents prayed for the victim and thanked the fisherman for immediately reporting what he found.

“Mark did the right thing,” said Mayor Lisa Howard. “It’s horrifying, but at least this discovery might bring closure to a family who’s been waiting for answers.”

Meanwhile, local churches and mental health counselors are offering support to those disturbed by the case, particularly younger residents. “We’re a small town — things like this shake us to our core,” Pastor David Collins said during the vigil.

Awaiting Answers

As of Tuesday night, investigators remain tight-lipped about the ongoing tests and search operations. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has joined efforts to monitor the river for any further remains or abnormalities.

“This case could go in many directions,” Detective Greene told reporters. “Right now, our priority is finding out who this person was — and how they ended up inside that fish.”

For residents of Cedar River, what was once a symbol of tranquility has become a chilling reminder that even in the calmest waters, darkness can lurk beneath the surface.