Serial killer's confession leads to the remains of Crossville family's daughter

By JOSH AULT
6 News Reporter

CROSSVILLE (WATE) - A Crossville family finally knows where their daughter is after she disappeared 27 years ago.

Back in 2001, Wesley Shermantine was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing of 16-year-old Chevelle Wheeler in Calaveras County, California.  She had gone missing in 1985, but it was not until 15 years later that DNA evidence linked Shermantine to her murder. Shermantine revealed where he had buried his last two victims, including wheeler, on Thursday.

Wheeler's family, who has since moved to Crossville, got the news this morning about the discovery. Paula Wheeler, Chevelle's mother, says the last time she saw her daughter alive was when she dropped her off for school.

"She was a typical teenager, loved music, boys, messing around, but she was a good girl," said Wheeler.

"She was my buddy," said Raymond Wheeler, Chevy's father. "She used to help me work on my cars."

After Chevy disappeared, her mom started to wear a pin with her photo everyday. Her parents have done countless searches for her over the years.

All that changed on Friday.  "About a half hour ago I got a call saying that it was definitely her." said Paula Wheeler.  They were able to identify her from the clothes she was wearing the day she disappeared.

Even though her killer was sentenced to death for her murder, it was always hard not knowing where she was. They had given up hope of ever finding her remains.
   
"He told me in court that I would never know where Chevy's at, his parents would know where he's at when he's gone, but I would never know where Chevy is," said Paula Wheeler.

The news that she was finally been found has been overwhelming.
     
"I sat down and cried," said Raymond Wheeler. "I never thought it would even happen because he swore he would never tell us."

As soon as her remains are released, they are planning to go to California to get them.

Even though today's news answers some questions, it is still leaves these parents without a daughter.
 
"I wish I could see her grand kids, stuff like that," said Raymond Wheeler.

"I miss her," said Paula Wheeler.

The Wheeler family is still not sure what they will be doing with Chevy's remains once they get them in California.  They never had a funeral for her after she disappeared.

Shermantine, and another man, Loren Herzog, were convicted in four murders. They were nicknamed the 'Speed Freak Serial Killers'.