Search To Resume For More Remains At Linden Well Site
LINDEN, Calif. (CBS13/AP) — Authorities have resumed the search for more bones and other evidence in a well at a rural Northern California ranch after it was suspended on Monday due to wet weather.
Authorities have found more than 300 bones in the area where convicted serial killer Wesley Shermantine said there might be 10 or more victims from a methamphetamine-fueled killing spree he and a childhood friend were part of in the 1980s and 1990s.
The 300 bones and other items were found 45 feet deep in the well on an abandoned cattle ranch near Linden, Calif.
- Watch: More Than 300 Human Bones Recovered At Linden Well
- Watch: Who Are The Possible Victims Of The "Speed Freak Killers"?
Sunday marked the fourth straight day that remains were found with the help of a map prepared by death row inmate Shermantine.
Shermantine and his childhood friend, Loren Herzog, were called the "Speed Freak Killers" for a methamphetamine-fueled killing spree that had as many as 15 victims. Although, some speculate there could be even more.
Deputies won't say how many different victims they may have found.
Crews are expected to be searching the ranch in Linden for several days. The property, about 60 miles south of Sacramento, was once owned by Shermantine's family. Deputy Garcia says another well about ¼ miles east of the property may be searched in the coming days.
Investigators have established a hotline for family members who believe their loved ones may have fallen victim to Herzog or Shermantine at (209) 468-5087.
Garcia says people who believe their loved ones are victims will be asked to submit a DNA sample.
However, a DNA expert who spoke with CBS13's Koula Gianulias says identifying those victims will be difficult
"This is probably the worst kind of situation to try and get DNA results out of," said Robert D. Blasier, a DNA expert. "The longer something stays in the ground or in a well, the harder it is to get any quantity of DNA out of it."
