Private Investigator Challenges Santo Death Ruling
A private investigator is petitioning for a review of the 2021 death ruling of a Michigan State University student.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Substance Abuse
Private investigator Ryan Robison has petitioned the Ingham County Medical Examiner to change the drowning cause of death ruling for Brendan Santo. Santo, who was 18 at the time, disappeared on October 29, 2021.
Why it matters
Robison argues that the current drowning classification lacks sufficient physiological evidence and hinders further investigation into the death. He seeks to re-examine the case based on new forensic phone data.
Brendan Santo was 18 years old when he disappeared, and his body was discovered 80 days later. Forensic phone data now places him near the intersection of Harrison and Michigan roads before his final signal.
The players
Ryan Robison
He is the private investigator who discovered the body and is currently pushing for a review of the official cause of death.
Brendan Santo
He was an 18-year-old student who disappeared while visiting Michigan State University in 2021.
Mike Yankowski
He serves as the Michigan State University Police Chief and is the target of a meeting request regarding new evidence.
The details
Robison compared autopsy findings against clinical expectations and presented this data to the Ingham County Chief Medical Examiner in August 2026. The investigator also plans to discuss this evidence with Michigan State University Police Chief Mike Yankowski.
Timeline
October 29, 2021: Brendan Santo disappeared while visiting Michigan State University.
Late January 2022: Ryan Robison found Brendan Santo's body.
August 2026: Robison presented findings to the Ingham County Medical Examiner.
Next few weeks: Robison hopes to meet with the university police chief.
The Big Picture
This petition marks a departure from the original death ruling established following the 2021 Brendan Santo disappearance. It highlights the role of private forensic analysis in re-evaluating long-standing official findings.
The petition may lead to a renewed focus on university safety protocols and emergency response procedures for students in East Lansing. Residents should monitor local law enforcement updates regarding potential shifts in the status of the investigation.
The takeaway
The case highlights the importance of re-evaluating evidence as new forensic technology becomes available to investigators. Families seeking clarity on deaths may find that persistent, independent review can sometimes provide new paths for inquiry.
Further reading
For more context on ongoing investigations, visit the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilx.
