Wesley Howard Shermantine

Serial Killer

Wesley Howard Shermantine: The 'Speed Freak Killer'

Early Life and Background

Wesley Howard Shermantine Jr., born on February 24, 1966, in Linden, California, grew up in a small farming community. He formed a close friendship with Loren Joseph Herzog, with whom he would later become infamously known as the "Speed Freak Killers." Both were avid hunters and fishermen, exploring the rural areas of San Joaquin County. Their moniker stemmed from their habitual methamphetamine use, which fueled a series of violent crimes spanning over a decade.

Criminal Activities

Between 1984 and 1999, Shermantine and Herzog embarked on a series of brutal murders across California. Their victims ranged from young women to unsuspecting men, often chosen at random. The duo's method of operation included abduction, assault, and murder, with many crimes committed under the influence of methamphetamine.

Known Victims

• Howard King III
  • Age: 35
  • Date of Death: November 27, 1984
  • Location: Roberts Island, California
  • Details: King and his friend Paul Cavanaugh were found shot to death in a parked car on a remote road. Both had been killed with a shotgun at close range.
• Paul Raymond Cavanaugh
  • Age: 31
  • Date of Death: November 27, 1984
  • Location: Roberts Island, California
  • Details: Cavanaugh was the passenger in the vehicle where both he and King were murdered. The crime scene indicated a sudden and violent attack.
• Chevelle "Chevy" Wheeler
  • Age: 16
  • Date of Disappearance: October 16, 1985
  • Location: Stockton, California
  • Details: Wheeler skipped school to accompany Shermantine to his family's cabin. She was reported missing that day. Her remains were discovered years later after Shermantine provided information from death row.
• Cynthia Ann "Cyndi" Vanderheiden
  • Age: 25
  • Date of Disappearance: November 14, 1998
  • Location: Clements, California
  • Details: Vanderheiden was last seen leaving a local bar with Shermantine and Herzog. Her remains were later found in a remote area based on information provided by Shermantine.
• Henry Howell
  • Age: 41
  • Date of Death: September 1, 1984
  • Location: Hope Valley, California
  • Details: Howell was found dead in his vehicle with severe head injuries. Herzog later confessed that he and Shermantine had attacked Howell during a robbery.
• Robin Armtrout
  • Age: 24
  • Date of Death: September 8, 1985
  • Location: Near Linden, California
  • Details: Armtrout's nude body was discovered with multiple stab wounds near Potter Creek. She had been seen earlier with Shermantine and Herzog.
• Kimberly Ann Billy
  • Age: 19
  • Date of Disappearance: December 11, 1984
  • Location: Stockton, California
  • Details: Billy vanished under mysterious circumstances. Her remains were later identified in a well where Shermantine and Herzog disposed of their victims.
• Joann Hobson
  • Age: 16
  • Date of Disappearance: August 29, 1985
  • Location: Stockton, California
  • Details: Hobson disappeared and was later identified among the remains found in the Linden well.

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Confirmed Victims: (8)

Howard King Age: (35), Date of Death: 1984-11-27

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Speed Freak Killers: Wesley Shermantine

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