Search for victims' remains in "Speed Freak" serial killings hampered by rain

(CBS/AP) LINDEN, Calif. - The search for more human remains in what appears to be a mass grave used by two men known as the "Speed Freak Killers" has been suspended because of rain.

The delay came Monday after four straight days of grisly discoveries made with the help of a map prepared by death row inmate Wesley Shermantine. He drew maps leading to Northern California locations after a bounty hunter offered him money for the information.

Over the weekend, searchers dug into an old well near the town of Linden that Shermantine claims could hold 10 or more victims from a killing spree during the 1980s and 1990s.

More than 300 bone fragments have been found.

Shermantine and his childhood friend Loren Herzog became known as the "Speed Freak Killers" for a methamphetamine-fueled killing spree that had as many as 15 victims.

Shermantine was convicted of four murders and sentenced to death. Herzog was convicted of three murders and sentenced to 77 years to life in prison although that was later reduced to 14 years.

Herzog was paroled in 2010 and committed suicide last month after Sacramento bounty hunter Leonard Padilla told him Shermantine was disclosing the location of the well along with two other locations.

More on Crimesider
February 13, 2012 - Map by 'Speed Freak Killer' Wesley Shermantine leads cops to 300 human bones
September 13, 2010 - Loren Herzog, Half of "Speed Freak Killers" Duo, to be Freed on Parole